Unspun, a robotics and digital apparel company, showcased its groundbreaking zero-waste technology, Vega, at New York Fashion Week. The company aims to address the fashion industry’s waste problem, which is projected to increase by 70% by 2050. Unspun recently closed a $14 million Series A funding round to support the implementation of Vega and is currently piloting the technology with several brands.

Vega’s 3D weaving technology allows Unspun to produce a pair of jeans or other woven pants in under 10 minutes. This process eliminates fabric scrap waste, making it a sustainable solution for textile production. Unspun views Vega as a scalable option for on-demand, zero-inventory production, enabling brands to establish micro-factories for localized and automated manufacturing. This approach reduces transportation costs, emissions, and creates a shorter supply chain requiring minimal or no inventory.

The collaboration between Unspun and fashion brand Eckhaus Latta showcased the potential of 3D weaving. The collection featured 3D woven frayed jeans and glittery wide-leg trousers, challenging traditional notions of beauty and aesthetics. The limited-edition collection will be available for purchase in the spring of 2024 on both brands’ websites, with prices ranging from $395 to $600.

Both Unspun and Eckhaus Latta share a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Eckhaus Latta often works with deadstock materials and partners with factories that prioritize fair labor standards and safe working conditions. The collaboration allowed both teams to work closely together in California, developing and refining the designs.

Unspun made its debut at New York Fashion Week in the previous year, when it produced custom jeans for the sustainable label Collina Strada. By introducing zero-waste technology to the fashion industry, Unspun is pushing boundaries and driving change towards a more sustainable future.

Sources:
– Sourcing Journal (www.sourcingjournal.com)