Design through remanufacturing in the fashion industry
A practical design tool and roadmap for Zeeman
M.F. Berrens (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
H.L. McQuillan – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Materials and Manufacturing)
S.L. de Jager – Mentor (TU Delft - DesIgning Value in Ecosystems)
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Abstract
This research presents a conceptual design for a tool aimed at supporting fashion designers in creating new garments from existing ones, addressing the urgent need for circular practices in the fashion industry. While designers are critical to driving this transition, they lack practical resources to navigate the complexities of circular design. The proposed tool focuses on remanufacturing, a promising but under-explored strategy that enables the creation of new designs without breaking garments down into fibres for recycling. Despite its potential, remanufacturing poses significant challenges, underscoring the need to explore how designers can be effectively supported to scale this approach.
A case study with the low-cost textiles retailer Zeeman informed the tool's design, ensuring alignment with the company’s specific needs. Alongside the tool, a strategic roadmap outlines anticipated industry transformations, envisioning the tool’s phased development. The initial version (2025), tested by Zeeman’s design team, is based on feasible technologies and can be implemented immediately. Later versions (2030 & 2035) are designed to adapt to future developments, including changes in legislation, shifts in consumer behaviour, technological advancements, and potential partnerships envisioned for Zeeman.
By equipping designers with effective resources, the tool holds considerable promise. It enables designers to influence product development for the companies they work for and in that way foster more sustainable and circular practices, aligning with EU’s vision to have the textile industry fully circular by 2050.