Technology, Sustainability, and Fashion… Oh My!
This article is all about technology, sustainability, and, as you might have guessed, fashion. The conversations surrounding fast fashion and its adverse effects have been prevalent for quite some time. With the demand for better quality and sustainable fabrics increasing, technological advances have become more creative than ever. The textiles of tomorrow, if you will. Or, the fabrics of the future? Ok, I’ll stop now.
With the increased features in AI and unethical labor practices in factories, can using technology to produce better quality clothing put us at an advantage? Or is this fashion’s finality?
While cotton is a naturally grown fiber, “non-organic cotton isn’t great for the environment. The growth of the product has been known to cause soil erosion, soil degradation, and water contamination” (What’s the latest in new, innovative fabrics?). Due to this and the overconsumption of man-made synthetics, we are starting to see the damage that fast fashion is causing to our environment. As of this year, “the industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined” (Maiti). This is astonishing, to say the least.
Consumers and even designers alike have become passionate about their carbon footprint. According to an article from Heuritech, a trend forecasting and AI prediction company, “fabric innovations are at the forefront of the fashion industry in 2025, driven by shifting consumer expectations, mounting environmental concerns, and cutting-edge technology” (Gossein). What was once considered an exclusive and “niche” alternative, textiles that are bio-based and recycled are beginning to be the new norm for many companies. “Tencel, Seacell, and those derived from algae or mushrooms exemplify how innovation can reduce reliance on resource-intensive crops such as conventional cotton” (Gossein).
Reaching mainstream heights, clothing companies like Stella McCartney, Adidas, and Patagonia “experiment with natural fiber blends for their products and accessories” (Gossein). By incorporating contemporary technology, these brands are utilizing their platforms to tackle eco-friendly solutions, leaving a global impact on the fashion industry.
Here is more information on each company’s sustainable efforts:
Stella McCartney: nfw.earth/collaborations/stella-mccartney-luxury-fashion-mirum.
Adidas: https://www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability
Patagonia: https://www.patagonia.com/our-footprint/
Hopefully, these necessary transitions in fashion will soon provide us with some environmental sustenance. If more companies choose to follow suit, this can be a monumental move in reducing carbon emissions.
One small step for our wardrobes, one giant leap for the atmosphere!
Sources
Gossein, Léa. “Fabric Innovations 2025: The Future of Sustainable Textiles.” Heuritech, 23 June 2025, heuritech.com/articles/fashion-fabric-innovations/.
Maiti, Rashmila. “Fast Fashion: Its Detrimental Effect on the Environment.” Earth.Org, 20 Jan. 2025, earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/.
“What’s the Latest in New, Innovative Fabrics?” ELLISS, 5 Mar. 2020, www.elliss.co.uk/life/whats-the-latest-in-new-innovative-fabrics/.
