Zero Waste Pattern Making: Redefining Sustainable Fashion

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the fashion industry has become increasingly scrutinized for its ecological impact. As a result, innovative approaches like zero waste pattern making have emerged, offering a promising solution to minimize textile waste and reduce the carbon footprint associated with clothing production. This revolutionary technique challenges traditional pattern- making methods and fosters a more sustainable future for fashion. Zero-waste pattern-making is a design philosophy that seeks to eliminate textile waste entirely during the garment creation process. Conventional pattern-making often results in offcuts and discarded fabric, contributing to the staggering amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. Zero-waste pattern making aims to disrupt this norm by strategically arranging pattern pieces on the fabric to utilize every inch, leaving no remnants behind. For this study, the authors identified three fashion organizations that adopt the zero-waste pattern-making process. This paper uses the qualitative methodology of a case study, and the results are analyzed using the framework of eco-innovation. The brands’ approach towards material choice, product design process and production system is presented through a comparative study. A framework is proposed for other fashion start-ups to achieve a zero-waste model. This approach represents a fundamental shift toward sustainability by reshaping the way garments are designed and manufactured. The cases underscore this approach's potential to reshape the fashion industry's relationship with waste. These case studies will serve as an inspiration for other fashion brands looking to adopt innovative and sustainable practices in their operations.