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Palpable synergy between sustainability and digitalisation
At this years’ Techtextil, Texprocess and Heimtextil, the relationship between digitalisation and sustainability is palpable and paramount. In a press conference hosted by Messe Frankfurt, the organisers behind the co-located events, it was made abundantly clear that sustainability is a key concern of industry stakeholders. And with Texprocess and Heimtextil currently exploring new machineries and digital technologies, it is clear digitalisation continues to be a driving force behind the optimisation of industry towards its green goals. At Texprocess, for example, international manufacturers are showcasing the latest machinery, equipment, processes and technologies for textile & apparel manufacturing. These range from design, cutting, sewing, knitting and embroidery to finishing, IT and logistics – but most notably, primary focuses will be water saving dyeing processes and other future-oriented processing technologies. The sustainable nature of newly developed machinery and digital technologies is a symptom of global industries at large – not only the textile industry. Technologists, scientists and OEMs are forging digital solutions that meet consumer and industry demand for sustainability, driven by actionable calls from governments. For example, sustainability has become particularly important since the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlighted it as a priority for global industries. Closely tied to the development of a sustainable industry is the diversification of manufacturing, which is supported by digital technologies. Driven by legislative and consumer demands for customisation and sustainability, new, digitalised models of manufacture have proliferated as supposed alternatives. These models include: • On-demand manufacturing: the production of products as-and-when they are ordered,
supported by investments into automation, web-to-print and software technologies • Lights out manufacturing: a methodology that sees factories operate “with the lights off” with minimal or no human presence, enabled by full automation of processes • Seed-to-shelf manufacturing: a manufacturing process where few or one manufacturing facilities handle the production of raw materials through to finished product, shortening the supply chain and improving sustainability • Batch one manufacturing: the proposed production of a whole product, supported by advancements in 3D knitting and weaving and 3D printing technologies • Distributed manufacturing: the hiring of manufacturing facilities in targeted locations to meet specific demand in a specific location • Reshoring and nearshoring: bringing manufacture closer to
As mentioned, these models are supported by digital technologies. Advancements in both hardware and software technologies revolve around automation, machinery, additive manufacturing technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the cloud, design platforms, 3D simulation and more – some of which we can expect to see at Messe Frankfurt. This technology not only supports industrial diversification, but a necessary increase in sustainability within the textile & apparel industry. The technologies also draw attention to the accessibility issues in the global market, alongside infrastructural and funding issues in low-income countries. Ultimately, many countries are unable to invest in digitalisation, which is essential to remain competitive in the global textile & apparel industry. As we approach 2030 – the desired end-goal date for the SDGs – it will be interesting to observe how small-scale industrial endeavours in low-income countries adopt digital tools, while staying firmly situated at the heart of industry events such as Techtextil, Texprocess and Heimtextil to remain aware of the ongoing power digitalisation has in developing a sustainable industry .
a brand and its consumer, supported by investments
into automation and software technologies
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