Reasoning and Methods for Denim Upcycling : integrating Denim Material Reuse in Fashion Design
Short, Liisa (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120533201
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120533201
Tiivistelmä
Upcycling of post-consumer denim is one method to work towards a more sustainable fashion industry. Research about denim as a material, it’s production, recycling capabilities and upcycling methods are all explored, to support the idea for increased industry participation in denim upcycling.
The background about denim production illustrates the large amount of energy and resources needed, and the significant environmental impacts, that result from denim manufacturing. Information about denim recycling also gives a clear perspective on the development of current technologies, and the limitations. Both the information about new denim production and denim material recycling, point to the idea that denim upcycling may be a more sustainable alternative.
Benchmarking fashion brands which have implemented upcycling shows that it can be done. Numerous independent designers have started brands, which focus on this philosophy. Inspiring examples display the results of upcycling designers across the world.
Implications are discussed, to touch on topics that may come up, when one considers if upcycling is scalable and realistic. Companies must become more ethical and more transparent in their manufacturing processes. Additionally, financial investment is a factor to consider. Societal mindsets and political policy must both change, to support the growth of large-scale and profitable upcycling systems.
The importance of value-addition processes is discussed, in order to create products that promote a circular economy. Material manipulation is one way to improve the value of second-hand materials, and various test examples are shown.
The results of the data gathered supports the idea that increased implementation of denim upcycling is possible. Not only is it possible, but it is a large economic opportunity, which has yet to be grasped. There are clear logistical challenges to upcycling, but it appears that the environmental and economic benefits could outweigh those obstacles.
The background about denim production illustrates the large amount of energy and resources needed, and the significant environmental impacts, that result from denim manufacturing. Information about denim recycling also gives a clear perspective on the development of current technologies, and the limitations. Both the information about new denim production and denim material recycling, point to the idea that denim upcycling may be a more sustainable alternative.
Benchmarking fashion brands which have implemented upcycling shows that it can be done. Numerous independent designers have started brands, which focus on this philosophy. Inspiring examples display the results of upcycling designers across the world.
Implications are discussed, to touch on topics that may come up, when one considers if upcycling is scalable and realistic. Companies must become more ethical and more transparent in their manufacturing processes. Additionally, financial investment is a factor to consider. Societal mindsets and political policy must both change, to support the growth of large-scale and profitable upcycling systems.
The importance of value-addition processes is discussed, in order to create products that promote a circular economy. Material manipulation is one way to improve the value of second-hand materials, and various test examples are shown.
The results of the data gathered supports the idea that increased implementation of denim upcycling is possible. Not only is it possible, but it is a large economic opportunity, which has yet to be grasped. There are clear logistical challenges to upcycling, but it appears that the environmental and economic benefits could outweigh those obstacles.