US' Walmart & Unspun introduce sustainable 3D weaving apparel tech

This innovative approach, which the company plans to integrate into its supply chain starting with men’s chinos, not only ensures to overhaul the traditional cut-and-sew model but also to foster local job creation, meet consumer demands for locally made products, and enhance sustainability in the apparel industry. Unspun aims to deploy 350 3D weaving machines across the US by 2030, supporting a shift towards localised production and reducing the environmental impact associated with the conventional manufacturing process.

The 3D-woven chinos produced using this technology will maintain the appearance of traditionally manufactured counterparts but will feature unique characteristics such as the absence of leg seams and internally woven labels, offering enhanced strength, lightness, and comfort. Furthermore, Unspun’s on-demand production model facilitates customisation and aligns with contemporary consumer expectations for personalised and sustainable fashion choices.

“One big problem with the clothing industry today is that because clothing is made before people want it, excess inventory has to be produced,” said co-founder and chief product officer Beth Esponnette.

“We believe that if we can think of the next generation of apparel and build a process that’s much more automated and enables on-demand manufacturing, we can allow an industry that has, more or less, left the US to come back,” said Kevin Martin, co-founder and chief technology officer, Unspun. “We were connected with Walmart because as we start talking about the ability to produce in the US on demand, there are very few people thinking about that as actively as Walmart.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)