GOAL
To comprehensively understand and address the multifaceted challenges within the fast fashion industry through system mapping, aiming to implement sustainable solutions and foster ethical practices throughout the supply chain.
Context
The fast fashion industry, valued at $1.7 trillion globally, faces significant environmental and ethical challenges, including exploitative labor practices, resource depletion, and severe pollution. Growing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability is pressuring the industry to adopt more ethical and eco-friendly practices.
$142
Billion
Market Size of Fast Fashion in US
62
Million Tons
Global Annual Fast Fashion Consumption
97
Percent (%)
import of clothing sold in US
What?
Mapping & connecting the problems in the system
The fast fashion industry's cost-driven cycle of mass manufacturing, outsourcing, and rapid consumption creates severe environmental degradation and labor exploitation, necessitating urgent ethical and sustainable reforms.
Drivers & obstructors of the system
Fast fashion's environmental and social impacts are driven by several key factors across manufacturing, logistics, and disposal. Understanding these drivers and their obstructors highlights the challenges and opportunities for creating a more sustainable industry.
How?
Understanding how the production process works
We mapped the entire range of activities that are required to bring fast fashion clothing items from conception through different stages of production, logistics and delivery, consumers and disposal. We then mapped the flow of petroleum, capital, chemicals and waste in each step of the process and the points of intersection and how those points are affecting the whole system. Those steps are Manufacturing, Logistics and Disposal.
Design Interventions
1. Design for Disassembly
Designing for modularity and standardization of products and parts promotes mono-materials and modular components for efficient disassembly and recycling.
Standard cutting patterns to reduce waste
Dissolvable stitching thread and rivets
Detachable buttons for easy disassembly
To empower consumers, we propose clear product labeling, carbon offset options, biodegradability information, and recycling instructions.
End-of-life options, like disassembly instructions and recycling facilities, facilitate responsible disposal.
San Francisco Design Week 2024
We showcased our research at San Francisco Design Week 2024, where I was also on the panel for a fire ide chat, explaining the project in detail and answering questions about the fast fashion system.
