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Image from the Remake Factory video
AI: Re-designing sustainable fashion
September 6, 2024

Researchers at Science Park Borås are working on an innovative project called “Remake Factory”. The project aims at teaching artificial intelligence (AI) to design new fashion garment using old clothes. The goal is to address the massive waste problem in the fashion industry, by transforming discarded textiles into stylish, sustainable clothing.

Each year, millions of tons of clothing are thrown away, contributing to environmental harm. The Remake project seeks to change this by using AI to creatively repurpose old textiles, giving them a second life instead of letting them end up in landfills. By integrating AI into the design process, the project hopes to make recycling in fashion not only easier but also more fashionable.

A collaborative effort
This project is a collaborative effort involving researchers, fashion designers, and technology experts. Together, they are developing an AI system capable of understanding different fabrics, colours, and styles. The AI will be able to suggest innovative ways to cut, combine, and reimagine old clothes, turning them into something new and appealing.

One of the most exciting challenges in the project is teaching the AI to be creative. While AI excels at analysing data and recognizing patterns, creativity has always been considered a uniquely human trait. The researchers are working to develop an AI that can think more like a designer—considering not just the technical aspects of clothing, but also the artistic and aesthetic elements that make fashion truly stand out.

This video explains the Remake-machine in further detail.

Accessible to everyone
The Remake project aims to create a tool that empowers fashion designers to maximise the potential of used textiles. The project hopes to significantly reduce waste in the fashion industry and to promote more sustainable practices. If successful, this approach could revolutionise fashion and recycling, making sustainable fashion more accessible to everyone.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the project also aims to democratise sustainable fashion. By using AI to streamline the design process, it could become possible to produce stylish, eco-friendly clothing at a lower cost, making it easier for more people to choose sustainable options.

Creativity and Tech
Overall, the Remake project represents a bold step towards a more sustainable future in fashion. By merging technology with creativity, it opens new possibilities for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in the fashion industry. It also addresses the customer awareness issue.

AI summary

  • Waste Reduction. The project aims to reduce waste in the fashion industry by creatively repurposing old clothes.
  • AI Innovation. Researchers are developing AI to assist in designing new garments from used textiles, merging creativity with technology.
  • Collaborative Effort. The project is a partnership between researchers, fashion designers, and technology experts, all working towards a common goal.
  • Creative Challenge. Teaching AI to be creative like a human designer is a core challenge of the project.
  • Sustainable Fashion. The initiative seeks to make eco-friendly fashion more accessible and affordable, promoting wider adoption of sustainable practices.
  • Potential Impact. If successful, this AI-powered approach could transform the fashion industry, fostering a circular economy and reducing its environmental footprint.

Read more about the Remake Factory project at Science Park Borås.
Read more about textile waste management across Europe? Click here!

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