Search Results (146)

The fashion industry has a detrimental environmental impact throughout its supply chain operations that needs immediate attention. Limited work focuses on measuring the environmental sustainability of clothing products made from post-consumer waste in the circular economy. This research aims to evaluate the environmental sustainability of fashion products made from post-consumer waste using the Higg Index tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Three t-shirt manufacturers—namely factory A (LEED certified), factory B (non-LEED certified), and factory C (Sub-contract) were considered as case studies. Data were collected through practice-based qualitative questions to manufacturing practitioners, which were supplemented by triangulations, and scores were obtained using the Higg Index product environmental sustainability tool. The findings highlight significant variations in most subsection analyses for product environment sustainability dimensions, scoring 369.5 (73.9%), 277.6 (55.5%), and 153.5 (30.7%) out of 500 by factories A, B, and C, respectively. Findings reveal significant differences in scores (from low to high) for the three t-shirt manufacturers. Various subsections revealed deficiencies in actual policies including product design, materials selection, manufacturing operations, and priorities regarding subcategories. Products made in a green factory and embracing the circular economy achieved the highest score, while the sub-contractor factory product obtained the lowest score. Findings highlight poor and emerging sustainable practices, identify challenges, and suggest improvement in the above-mentioned categories. The research urges stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices for fashion products to reduce environmental impact through life cycle stages and benefit the industry. Full article

Due to constantly shifting environmental and personal circumstances, humans have a wide range of thermal comfort needs. Cold intolerance (CI) is a personalized thermoregulation disorder characterized by a persistently cold-feeling problem, regardless of weather conditions. Improvements in clothing thermal comfort can help maintain proper insulation levels, hence reducing excess heat loss brought on by thermoregulation disorders since the wearer’s thermal comfort is impacted by controllable environmental and personal factors. Despite extensive research on cold-proof clothing, no studies have examined the current status of cold protective clothing systems when taking individual considerations into account, particularly those who use them and have cold sensitivity. There is a significant study gap in research on cold intolerance discomfort and advancements in appropriate cold protection apparel applied to individuals with thermoregulation disorders. Accordingly, this paper reviews the occurrence and severity of cold intolerance and its comfort challenges. It also addresses recent developments in cold protective clothing design, aimed at opening pathways for further investigation into adopting this cutting-edge technology for cold intolerance wear design. This review also aims to clarify the existing opportunities for enhancing the thermal insulation capabilities and other comfort factors of cold protection apparel, which are conducted during the stages of garment design and clothing material/textile manufacture. A thorough assessment of the research on introducing novel surface finishing methods in the pretreatment section and modifying the structural properties of garment materials at the fiber/yarn or weaving stage is conducted. Furthermore, we systematically discuss the potential design solutions regarding fit and size as well as stitching technologies during garment development for thermal insulation enhancement of cold protective clothing design. Full article

The problem of textile waste generated in production processes poses new challenges for manufacturers. For this reason, an approach to clothing design has been developed that takes into account aspects of sustainable development and the zero-waste concept. The paper presents the development of “T” and “X” silhouettes for women’s dresses according to the proposed new method. The existing basic cuts of women’s dresses were modeled to obtain “T” and “X” basic silhouettes for women’s dresses, and we compare the reduction in losses between the cuts using the newly proposed TAXI method and the TAXI method according to the proposed design. The use of pattern losses based on the pattern of the basic dress cut provides innovative design solutions according to the TAXI method by applying structural elements that adjust the shape of the basic silhouettes of women’s dresses. Fabric utilization using the basic “T” silhouette cut model is reduced to 75%. The TAXI method improves fabric utilization, achieving 75% fabric use with the basic “T” silhouettes and up to 99.8% with modifications. The fabric utilization of the basic “X” silhouette according to the proposed TAXI design method is 99.8%, which is 32.5% higher than the fabric utilization according to the basic pattern. With this comprehensive concept based on the principles of sustainability, the proposed TAXI design method has been adapted for the maximum possible fabric utilization, esthetic quality and fit, while retaining the recognizable silhouette of the garment. Full article

The integration of textile-based sensing and actuation elements has become increasingly important across various fields, driven by the growing demand for smart textiles in healthcare, sports, and wearable electronics. This paper presents the development of a small, smart dielectric elastomer (DE)-based sensing array designed for user control input in applications such as human–machine interaction, virtual object manipulation, and robotics. DE-based sensors are ideal for textile integration due to their flexibility, lightweight nature, and ability to seamlessly conform to surfaces without compromising comfort. By embedding these sensors into textiles, continuous user interaction can be achieved, providing a more intuitive and unobtrusive user experience. The design of this DE array draws inspiration from a flexible and wearable version of a touchpad, which can be incorporated into clothing or accessories. Integrated advanced machine learning algorithms enhance the sensing system by improving resolution and enabling pattern recognition, reaching a prediction performance of at least 80. Additionally, the array’s electrodes are fabricated using a novel sputtering technique for low resistance as well as high geometric flexibility and size reducibility. A new crimping method is also introduced to ensure a reliable connection between the sensing array and the custom electronics. The advantages of the presented design, data evaluation, and manufacturing process comprise a reduced structure size, the flexible adaptability of the system to the respective application, reliable pattern recognition, reduced sensor and line resistance, the adaptability of mechanical force sensitivity, and the integration of electronics. This research highlights the potential for innovative, highly integrated textile-based sensors in various practical applications. Full article

A firefighter’s outfit consists of several layers with distinct properties and functions. These layers serve as barriers against external hazards but also impede the transport of sweat generated by the human body. As a result, sweat vapor often fails to transfer effectively from the body through the firefighter’s protective clothing (FPC) to the environment. This can lead to sweat condensation on the firefighter’s skin, causing discomfort. To enhance the physiological comfort of firefighters during firefighting and other rescue operations, it is essential to consider the transport of condensed sweat within the multilayer textile system comprising both the underwear and the FPC. In this study, 16 assembly variants were tested, combining four types of knitted fabrics for underwear with four types of multilayer textile sets designed for FPC. The liquid moisture transport properties of these assemblies were evaluated using the Moisture Management Tester (MMT290), an innovative instrument manufactured by SDL Atlas. The results demonstrated that the knitted fabrics effectively transport liquid sweat, whereas in the case of multilayer textile sets for FPC, liquid sweat transport is primarily confined to the inner layer adjacent to the skin. Furthermore, the findings indicate that by selecting an appropriate combination of knitted fabric for underwear and the inner layer of the FPC, it is possible to optimize liquid moisture transport in a firefighter’s outfit. Full article

Textile and clothing (T&C) production and consumption have been steadily increasing for many years, accompanied by significant resource consumption, waste generation, and environmental impact. Germany holds a pivotal position in the industry, both within the EU and globally, as a leading producer, importer, and exporter of T&C. The circular economy (CE) concept has emerged as a promising solution to address the industry’s negative impacts by emphasising the reduction, reuse, and recycling of resources across the value chain. Digital technologies (DTs) are increasingly recognised as key enablers and facilitators of this transition, promoting both efficiency and circularity in manufacturing processes. However, the extent to which these are implemented in the German T&C industry remains largely underexplored. This study seeks to investigate the role of DTs in advancing CE practices within German T&C manufacturing. Employing process mapping and technology profiling, this research adopts an inductive, qualitative approach based on primary interview data to explore three key areas: (1) current CE practices, (2) the deployment of supportive DTs, and (3) the challenges in implementing the CE and DTs. The findings reveal that CE adoption is set to accelerate among T&C manufacturers, driven by regulatory compliance and market pressures, with DTs playing a critical role in enabling this transition. This study proposes a new operational framework designed to facilitate the shift towards a more circular textile sector, aligning with the ambitious goals of the European Union and broader environmental and societal objectives. Full article

The integration of robotics in the garment industry remains relatively limited, primarily due to the challenges in the highly deformable nature of garments. The objective of this study is thus to explore a vision-based garment recognition and environment reconstruction model to facilitate the application of robots in garment processing. Object SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) was employed as the core methodology for real-time mapping and tracking. To enable garment detection and reconstruction, two datasets were created: a 2D garment image dataset for instance segmentation model training and a synthetic 3D mesh garment dataset to enhance the DeepSDF (Signed Distance Function) model for generative garment reconstruction. In addition to garment detection, the SLAM system was extended to identify and reconstruct environmental planes, using the CAPE (Cylinder and Plane Extraction) model. The implementation was tested using an Intel Realsense^® camera, demonstrating the feasibility of simultaneous garment and plane detection and reconstruction. This study shows improved performance in garment recognition with the 2D instance segmentation models and an enhanced understanding of garment shapes and structures with the DeepSDF model. The integration of CAPE plane detection with SLAM allows for more robust environment reconstruction that is capable of handling multiple objects. The implementation and evaluation of the system highlight its potential for enhancing automation and efficiency in the garment processing industry. Full article

One of the most fundamental values that businesses must ensure to enhance sustainable production and productivity is the satisfaction of their internal customers. It is anticipated that an increase in the satisfaction levels of internal customers will lead to improved work performance, creating a cycle linked to the services and values provided to employees by the organization. This study aims to uncover the impact of the quality of internal services offered by manufacturing companies, as well as the ethical leadership approach, on employee performance. The data obtained from surveys conducted with 412 employees of clothing and textile companies in Van, Turkey, were analyzed using the SPSS program. The results indicate that internal service quality, particularly its dimensions of responsiveness and assurance, positively affects employee performance. Furthermore, it was observed that ethical leadership generally has a negative effect on employee performance, but the ethicality and justice dimensions and task clarity dimensions of ethical leadership affect employee performance positively. Full article

As an emerging technology in the field of additive manufacturing, 4D printing is highly disruptive to traditional manufacturing processes. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically summarize the research on 4D printing to promote the development of related industries and academic research. However, there is still an obvious gap in the visual connection between 4D printing theory and application research. We collected 2070 studies from 2013 on 4D printing from the core collection of Web of Science. We used VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace software 6.3.3 to visualize the references and keywords to explore focuses and trends in 4D printing using scientometrics. In addition, real-world applications of 4D printing were analyzed based on the literature. The results showed that “tissue engineering applications” is the most prominent focus. In addition, “shape recovery”, “liquid crystal elastomer”, “future trends”, “bone tissue engineering”, “laser powder bed fusion”, “cervical spine”, “4D food printing”, “aesthetic planning” are also major focuses. From 2013 to 2015, focuses such as “shape memory polymers” and “composites” evolved into “fabrication”. From 2015 to 2018, the focus was on “technology” and “tissue engineering”. After 2018, “polylactic acid”, “cellulose”, and “regenerative medicine” became emerging focuses. Second, emerging focuses, such as polylactic acid and smart polymers, have begun to erupt and have become key research trends since 2022. “5D printing”, “stability” and “implants” may become emerging trends in the future. “4D + Food”, “4D + Cultural and Creative”, “4D + Life” and “4D + Clothing” may become future research trends. Third, 4D printing has been widely used in engineering manufacturing, biomedicine, food printing, cultural and creative life, and other fields. Strengthening basic research will greatly expand its applications in these fields and continuously increase the number of applicable fields. Full article

The clothing industry has experienced global and sustained growth in the last decades due, among other factors, to the decentralisation of production in this sector and its consequent lowering of prices, but also to the effect of the unceasing demand that fashion generates. Simultaneously, the number of people employed in the textile sector has been growing in economically developing countries under precarious labour conditions. The objective of this study is to analyse the level of knowledge and awareness of the Spanish population about the working conditions in clothing manufacturing at production sites. To achieve this, we applied statistical analysis to data collected from a sample (n = 3000) of Spanish fashion consumers. The main results show a society with a high degree of concern for labour conditions in the textile sector, as well as for the environmental repercussions triggered by this type of production. Considering the differences based on socio-demographic variables, we find that women, older consumers, and respondents with higher education show a greater degree of concern about the working conditions in the clothing industry. Along the same lines, respondents who are ideologically left wing present a higher degree of concern than respondents from the extreme right. Full article

The textile and clothing industries are very often lumped together when it comes to the environmental aspect such that the negative connotation of the textile industry from an environmental aspect is automatically transferred to the clothing industry. However, the two industries should be considered separately, particularly with regard to the machinery used and energy consumption in the production process. The energy consumption of electricity, compressed air, vacuum, steam, and other energy sources in the clothing industry is low compared to other related industries. Furthermore, no carcinogenic and allergenic waste is generated during the production of clothing, which has a low carbon footprint, i.e., it practically does not pollute the air, soil, and water. The waste produced during cutting is clean and unused and is immediately recycled. All of this contributes to the sustainability of the clothing industry from the energy and environmental aspects. This article describes the cutting and joining techniques used in the manufacture of clothing, from the energy and environmental aspects as well as aspects of the weaves, the necessary machine elements and mechanisms, and the energy used in all joining techniques, from which the above claims and facts can be seen. Full article

The production processes in the clothing industry are labor-intensive; as such, efficiency is reduced due to human error and fatigue. This study aims to streamline the manufacturing process of the clothing industry to improve efficiency. The study employs line balancing, layout redesign, and value stream mapping to improve efficiency and reduce waste in a clothing industry production line. The study results indicate improved efficiency and productivity due to waste elimination. It is recommended that process improvement tools such as takt time monitoring, line balancing, and layout design be implemented in clothing industries to reduce waste and improve productivity. Full article

The potential of Industry 4.0 enabling tools is emerging as a strategic factor for the adaptation and innovation of companies in the clothing sector. Thus, the aim is to identify global trends and practices in I4.0 applications in the clothing sector based on a systematic literature review. From the systematic literature review, 11 articles were selected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results showed global trends in the application of I4.0 enabling tools, such as the Internet of Things, Cybersecurity and Additive Manufacturing, in addition to the benefits that I4.0 can provide in manufacturing, such as the possibility of efficient processes with lower operating costs. When studying the perception of businesspeople, the most critical dimensions were: vertical integration, flexibility, data analysis, supply chain integration, traceability, remote production monitoring, strategy, organizational culture and people. The originality of the paper is highlighted by its specific sectoral focus, emerging applications of Industry 4.0 and holistic approach to the value chain. In addition to the academic contribution in terms of mapping key global trends, identifying challenges and opportunities and providing a basis for future research, the results can provide practical recommendations for companies in the apparel sector seeking to start or accelerate their digital transformation journey. Full article

Cotton is used for the production of textiles, hygiene and cosmetic materials. During cultivation and technological processes, various types of substances (surfactants, softeners, lubricants, etc.) penetrate cotton, which can have a harmful effect on both the human body and the environment. The aim of this study was to analyze selected cotton products in order to identify the substances contained and to describe the potential possibilities of inducing textile contact dermatitis (CD). The impact of the identified compounds on the aquatic environment was also taken into account. Nine samples of cotton clothing and seven samples of cotton pads from various manufacturers were tested. Samples after extraction using the FUSLE (Focused Ultrasonic Liquid Extraction) technique were analyzed with GC/MS. Qualitative analysis was based on comparing mass spectra with library spectra using the following mass spectra deconvolution programs: MassHunter (Agilent), AMDIS (NIST), and PARADISE (University of Copenhagen). The parameter confirming the identification of the substance was the retention index. Through the non-target screening process, a total of 36 substances were identified, with an average AMDIS match factor of approximately 900 (“excellent match”). Analyzing the properties of the identified compounds, it can be concluded that most of them have potential properties that can cause CD, also due to the relatively high content in samples. This applies primarily to long-chain alkanes (C25–C31), saturated fatty acids, fatty alcohols (e.g., oleyl alcohol), and fatty acid amides (e.g., oleamide). However, there are not many reports describing cases of cotton CD. Information on the identified groups of compounds may be helpful in the case of unexplained sources of sensitization when the skin comes into contact with cotton materials. Some of the identified compounds are also classified as dangerous for aquatic organisms, especially if they can be released during laundering. Full article

The water quality of sources in the Huaihe River Basin significantly affects the lives and health of approximately 16.7% of China’s population. Identifying and quantifying pollution sources and risks is essential for effective water resource management. This study utilized Monte Carlo simulations and Geodetector to assess water quality and eutrophication, as well as to evaluate the sources of heavy metals and the associated health risks for both adults and children. The results showed that eutrophication of water sources in Huaihe River was severe, with an overall EI value of 37.92; 67.8% of the water sources were classified as mesotrophic and 32.2% classified as eutrophic. Water quality and eutrophication levels in the southern mountainous regions were better than those in the densely populated northern areas. Adults were found to have a higher carcinogenic risk than children, whereas children faced a higher noncarcinogenic risk than adults. Cr presented the highest carcinogenic risk, affecting more than 99.8% of both adults and children at levels above 1 × 10⁻⁶ but not exceeding 1 × 10⁻⁴. The noncarcinogenic risk from metals did not surpass a level of 1, except for Pb. As was primarily influenced by agricultural activities and transportation, whereas Cd, Cr, and Pb were mainly affected by industrial activities, particularly in local textile industries such as knitting and clothing manufacturing. The analysis demonstrated that the influence of anthropogenic factors on heavy metal distribution was significantly enhanced by indirect natural factors. For example, the explanatory power of Precipitation and Road Network Density on As was 0.362 and 0.189, respectively, whereas their interaction had an explanatory power as high as 0.673. This study indicates that the geodetector method is effective in elucidating the factors influencing heavy metal distribution in water, thereby providing valuable insights into pollution sources in global drinking water. Full article