Subscribe now

Environment

Three bright ideas that could fix fashion's environmental problems

3D weaving technology, AI-designed fibres and leather made from waste fish scales are among the sustainable fashion innovations on display at an exhibition in London

By Madeleine Cuff

25 June 2024

Unspun says its 3D weaving technology can make trouser legs in 10 minutes

Unspun

The following is an extract from our climate newsletter Fix the Planet. Sign up to receive it for free in your inbox every month.

There are so many ways the fashion industry is harming the planet. Pesticides used to grow crops to make natural fabrics like cotton are reducing biodiversity. Toxic dyes pollute waterways. Fossil fuels are used to make synthetic fibres, often woven into cheap clothes bought by the armful and worn just a few times before they are discarded. This kind…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account