As part of the New Fashion Academy at Erasmus University on 13/14 January, the Sustainable Fashion Committee and the New Fashion Society collaborated to invite Ellen Sillekens, a well-known designer, consultant and researcher in the field of textiles and sustainable fashion in the Netherlands to facilitate a workshop. Ellen challenged a full room of student participants to think innovatively on the question, “how can we redefine the textile supply chain to make it more sustainable and what is the value of post-consumer textile waste?”

 

Importance of sustainability in the fashion industry

Ellen first asked students to create what they think is a fashion supply chain. She next introduced the concept of sustainability and asked us to explore why it is so important for the fashion industry to address. Eight factors of unsustainable supply chain impacts ranging from excessive land use to the exposure of workers to chemicals were reviewed. Current trends are driving the fashion supply chain from a linear system to a more circular and closed-loop model. Ellen showed positive impact examples from new and diverse design approaches, such as clothes made of spider silk or bacteria, along with the emerging trend of renting a pair of jeans. Some examples of clever start-ups that use sustainable materials were mentioned, such as Mud Jeans, ONEDAY make-your-own-sneakers, and OAT shoes.

 

Ellen also introduced her own project, ReBlend, an initiative that explores how to create value out of textile waste. She said, “Everybody told me it was impossible, but we succeeded! We created a new yarn entirely made out of post-consumer textile blends without any material selection.” Now, the next step will be to continue to improve the production process and to promote this new fibre among designers. She remarked that, “it is challenging to find a new market since recycled materials are still linked to negative aspects, but I am confident that it will be more accepted in the future by consumers.”

Sustainable supply chains

The workshop provided an interactive conclusion with the full group discussing the value of textiles previously regarded as waste and how to remodel a circular and more sustainable fashion supply chain. Students shared realisations that there is no simple solution to sustainable textile production and there are issues that are really difficult to address and quantify, however they also shared innovative ideas for sustainable outcomes during the closing debate.

For more information about the speaker click here.

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Type
Sustainability