Even though last year was one of the most tumultuous years this decade (or even this century), there are still many things that need to be solved from the previous year—one of the more pressing concerns from last year reverberates up until now the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the public health crisis has caused significant economic instability since the first few months of the pandemic. Even today, many industries, such as the manufacturing industry, have taken a substantial hit from the pandemic.
But even though many industries are hit hard by the still ongoing pandemic, the show must still go on for many sectors. This is especially true for the apparel industry, which is known for supporting (and clothing, of course) many cultures and nations around the world.
Even before the pandemic, many businesses have been placing a lot of emphasis on their research and development. Many of these innovations and management strategies are usually aimed at streamlining the production of products or cushion the number of resources and raw materials pooled for products and services.
Although a good part of the clothing industry’s productivity might have taken a hit from the public health crisis, many businesses are still prioritizing innovations and means of making day-to-day operations better.
So what are some important innovations in the apparel and clothing industry? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
More Efficient Automated Equipment
First and foremost, one of the most critical innovations in the past few decades comes from automated hardware and software. The process of automation isn’t completely unheard of. In fact, the concept of automating various industrial processes has been around even before World War 2. That said, automation has been one of the most important inventions that have helped different industries, not just in the past few decades but in the past century.
However, automation in the past few generations were quite limited, and many industrial workers and employees still needed to oversee much of the business operations and the quality of products. But with recent technological advancements in electronics and software programming, it’s now easier to accurately produce goods and products that can meet company standards.
Even right now, many industrial corporations, manufacturing plants, and upper management groups in the apparel industry have been clamoring for ways to make production easier. Fortunately, there is new and efficient machinery that you can use. Whether you’re working in fabricating new construction materials, paper, plastic materials, or even fabric, there are state-of-the-art die-cutting machines that can help maximize the production of goods, fabric, and materials.
Using More Sustainable Materials and Fabrics
Clothing has always been a part of many societies for thousands of years. That means that there are practically billions of clothes and apparel that have been produced in the past decades. The way that these apparel have been made is known for contributing to pollution.
Although many fabric types are known for having more “sustainable” means of producing clothes and products, the production process is also known for making a lot of industrial waste and chemicals detrimental to the environment.
Many chemicals have also contributed to climate change, one of the most significant issues that humanity is currently facing. Fortunately, many organizations are now collaborating to develop a more sustainable and cost-effective fabric durable while also maximizing customer experience.
We have also seen various upward trends that have addressed the urgency in facing environmental and socio-economic issues, which has helped increase the focus on environmental justice, equity, and health. Most economical and environmental experts suggest that the answer lies in waste diversion, recycling, and sustainable agriculture.
Transparency
Another significant trend that many large organizations and conglomerates have been incorporating into their organization is transparency. 2020 was generally known as a time of uncertainty, and many of the general population are anxious and want a sign of hope. Since there’s a demand for transparency and a promise of hope, many companies emphasize publicizing their earnings and allocating their funds. This is especially true for companies like Adidas that’s been placing effort in their transparency reports.
There are a variety of innovations that companies have been emphasizing in the past few years. Most of these innovations are more focused on sustainability, environmental impact, and streamlining the process to make the production of materials and goods easier. Investors and business owners should be even more excited in the coming years since there are bound to be even more inventions. The future of the apparel industry looks bright, but we still need to be patient.