Panel Recap: Industry leaders weigh in on using tech for fashion sustainability

The intersection of technology and sustainability has become a critical focal point for the fashion industry. As the sector grapples with the twin demands of reducing environmental impact and maintaining profitability, a recent panel moderated by Jatin Paul, CEO of WFX, at SustainableNXT 2024 in Gurugram, India, brought together industry leaders to discuss potential solutions. The conversation explored how emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Design, and Digital Twins are transforming products, processes, and people, highlighting their capacity to strike an essential balance between these goals. 

AI emerged as a cornerstone of the discussion, with unanimous agreement that its ability to augment human work holds the key to optimization in fashion. Jasveen Kaur, Senior Director at Newtimes Group, highlighted how her design teams are already leveraging AI tools to generate design inspiration and turn ideas into actionable concepts for clients. “Generative AI tools are becoming more accessible and are helping merchandising teams amplify their efforts with the same resources,” she noted.  

Beyond design, AI is also proving instrumental in optimizing production and reducing waste. By analyzing data, it can predict consumer demand with precision, enabling manufacturers and retailers to minimize overproduction—a perennial issue in the industry. 

Jasveen also shared an anecdote about how AI simplified critical email communication involving one of her suppliers and customer. By using AI to communicate solutions that were clear and conciliatory, she was able to resolve a potential conflict efficiently and to the satisfaction of both parties. This example underscores how AI’s practical applications extend beyond design and data analytics to everyday operations like communication. Whether in coordinating logistics or smoothing negotiations, AI is proving invaluable in streamlining interactions. 

Saurabh Saxena, Group CIO of PDS Ltd., emphasized the importance of teaching teams how to use AI effectively. “Prompt engineering is where we see significant growth potential. Everyone has access to AI tools but knowing how to make the most of it is what will make the most difference,” he stated. With a focus on training employees to frame the right prompts and questions, businesses can unlock the full potential of AI-driven insights and task automations.  

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of 3D design tools, and their benefits have now become indispensable. Ram Sareen, Founder of Tukatech, pointed out the staggering work that goes into the traditional sampling processes. “Brands often create seven to ten samples per collection before finalizing designs. With our industry-specific solutions, we’ve helped brands reduce this number dramatically—even down to zero in many instances,” he shared. 

3D design tools allow designers to visualize how fabrics drape and garments fit without creating physical prototypes. Sartaj Singh Mehta, Senior Product Director at Pepe Jeans London, added that digital sampling has eliminated the need for buying teams to travel internationally with suitcases full of physical samples. The environmental and financial implications of this shift are profound, as it reduces carbon emissions from travel while speeding up the decision-making process. 

Moreover, 3D design enables real-time collaboration across teams located in different parts of the world. Designers, buyers, and manufacturers can review virtual samples simultaneously, providing feedback and making adjustments instantly. This not only saves time but also ensures that every stakeholder is aligned before production begins. 

Sizing inconsistencies remain one of fashion’s biggest pain points, but technology is paving the way for solutions. Rachna Sarup, Founder and CEO of B77 Life, detailed how her brand’s zero-inventory model relies on advanced sizing technologies to minimize returns—a significant contributor to waste. She explained how technology helps her brand provide customers with more accurate sizing recommendations, reducing the likelihood of ill-fitting products being sent back. 

Sartaj Singh Mehta echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that improvements in sizing technology not only enhance customer satisfaction but also reduce environmental impact. “Every return avoided is a step toward sustainability,” he said. He also mentioned that sizing tools integrated with e-commerce platforms can collect data to refine recommendations over time, creating a feedback loop that continuously improves the accuracy of these systems. 

The panel also explored how upstream processes can integrate sustainability. Pawan Arya, Unit Head at Richaco Exports Pvt. Ltd., stressed the importance of designing products to minimize fabric wastage. “Suppliers often face challenges with minimum order quantities. Intelligent design can mitigate this,” he remarked. He highlighted how thoughtful product development can ensure that excess yardage does not go unused, reducing the overall material footprint.  

Dr. Prabir Jana, Professor at NIFT Delhi, provided insights into how lessons from other industries could benefit fashion manufacturing. He cited green factory initiatives such as optimizing lux levels to improve sewing efficiency, which reduces quality defects and product rejections. He also advocated for adopting energy-efficient machinery and waste recycling techniques already prevalent in sectors like automotive and electronics. 

Technology’s role in improving supply chain transparency and traceability also came under discussion. IoT-enabled tracking systems, for instance, can provide real-time visibility into material movement, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to sustainability standards. This transparency not only helps brands meet regulatory requirements but also builds consumer trust. 

Despite these technological advancements, communicating sustainability efforts to end consumers remains a challenge. Rachna Sarup admitted that while her brand is at the forefront of sustainable practices, ensuring customers understand and appreciate these efforts requires continuous innovation in storytelling.  

Jatin Paul, CEO of WFX shared how integrating transparency tools, like Digital Product Passport or QR codes on product tags, can help educate consumers about the journey of their garments, from raw material sourcing to final production. 

Additionally, panelists discussed the importance of aligning marketing narratives with verifiable actions. Consumers today are increasingly wary of greenwashing and demand evidence of sustainability claims. Paul added that brands can leverage data from PLM and/or ERP systems to substantiate their efforts, presenting tangible metrics such as water savings or carbon footprint reductions.  

While the fashion industry was forced to adopt some of these technologies during the pandemic, their long-term benefits have solidified their place in the sector. From digital tools reducing travel and physical sampling to AI-driven insights optimizing production, the convergence of technology and sustainability is here to stay. 

The discussion underscored a shared belief that the future of fashion lies in leveraging technology to drive both sustainability and profitability. However, the journey requires consistent innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from adjacent industries. Panelists agreed that as technology continues to evolve, its role in reshaping the fashion industry will only grow, creating opportunities for companies willing to adapt.