3D-moulding soft goods to reduce fashion waste

A startup uses cellulose to create garments in a waste-free process

Spotted: The fashion industry is responsible for around 10 per cent of the planet’s carbon emissions – more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Cutting the carbon footprint of textiles means shifting away from fossil fuel-derived materials and limiting waste, both of which Simplifyber is doing with its innovative manufacturing process. 

The startup has created what it claims are the world’s first fully moulded cellulose-based soft goods, including shoe uppers and t-shirts, which are both fully biodegradable and easily recycled. Simplifyber injects a lab-made liquid derived from wood pulp and other plant-based materials into moulds to dry, creating items without the need for spinning, weaving, cutting, or sewing. 

Because of this, the company claims it simplifies the manufacturing process by 60 per cent. And, unlike traditional textile production, Simplifyber only uses the exact volume of cellulose liquid needed for the final product, eliminating fabric waste.  

While a traditional factory would need approximately 100 employees and 100 sewing machines to create 1,000 garments, Simplifyber says that with just 12 employees and four 3D-forming machines, it would be able to make 24,000 garments a year.

3D-moulding or printing is an effective way to reduce waste across the production of various items, including recyclable footwear and bio-based lamps.

Written By: Lauryn Berry