THE FUTURE IS BETWEEN DIGITALIZATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
When I think about the jeans of the future, I immediately see the two buzzwords: sustainability and digitalization. It's no secret: first and foremost, the denim industry is faced with the task – driven by a new generation of consumers – of finding resource-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. It's clear that, as demand changes, production must adapt.
This is where digitalization and automation come into play: companies are increasingly relying on technologies such as 3D design, virtual fittings, and automated processes to work more efficiently, reduce costs, or make supply chains transparent. At the upcoming Texprocess, the international leading trade fair for the processing of flexible and textile materials, we observe more offers in these areas than ever before. Some relevant innovations are provided by renowned, specialized exhibitors for denim processing, such as industrial sewing machine providers Dürkopp Adler, VI.BE.MAC, and Jam International; cutting solution systems by Orox; robot-assisted solutions by Robotech A.G.; and stitch-free technologies like Macpi’s pressing and industrial laundry machines.
An example of a pioneer in 3D printing solutions is Stratasys. At the upcoming Texprocess they are due to present the first 3D printer developed for direct-to-textile printing. Designers and fashion manufacturers can create prototypes with unprecedented complexity and customization in the shortest possible time. The technology ensures full-color 3D printing with multi-material properties for designs that can be printed directly on fabrics, existing garments, shoes, and of course denim. It can also create accessories such as buttons, cufflinks, and bag clips with a simple workflow, all individually customized.
Technologies like these shorten lead times, increase design flexibility, ensure fast production runs, and minimize downtime. At the same time, they support textile upcycling, promote sustainable production processes and thus continually create new applications.