From Responsive Design to Sustainable Systems: Digital Laser Processing across the Textile Production Cycle

Morgan, Laura; Matthews, Janette; Shen, Jinsong; Tyrer, John

Abstract

Addressing environmental concerns in the textile industry has led to a growing field of research into material and process innovation. Digital technologies can facilitate on-demand manufacture and improve textile processes, resulting in waste reduction. A digital laser textile design and coloration process has been developed that showed potential for improved energy, water and dye chemical efficiency in textile processing and provides a system that facilitates design flexibility. The technique, that allows on-the-spot dye fixation for textile products, has been explored in the context of different industrial scenarios. Through consultation with industry partners from different sectors of the textile industry, the work examines the commercial viability of the process across the textile production cycle; from continuous dyeing of textile components, to targeted direct-to-garment processing. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is used to examine the sustainable profile of the digital laser technique. The process suggests alternative manufacturing and distribution flows that may allow for a more precise, responsive approach to market demands potentially reducing waste stock and enabling a more efficient distribution of goods.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: Integrating Design with Sustainable Technology, The 91st Textile Institute World Conference
• Start Date: Jul 23, 2018
• End Date: Jul 26, 2018
• Deposit Date: Oct 1, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 3, 2019
• Keywords: Laser processing, Textile Manufacture, Design for Sustainability, Print on Demand, Textile Dyeing and Finishing
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/3121860