Stratasys Wants to Use 3D Printing to Promote Upcycling
Stratasys wants to take consumers’ used clothing to another dimension.
The 3D printing company announced last week that it had launched a direct-to-garment solution as an addition to its existing TechStyle printer, the J580. The printer will now be able to apply colorful, 3D-printed designs onto pre-existing garments, which Stratasys expects will entice consumers looking for personalized experiences and style.
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The company presented its Urban Tattoo denim collection earlier this month at Texprocess in Germany. The collection is meant to “promote a deeper emotional connection” with garments, in the same way that people feel connected to tattoos on their bodies.
Designers like Karim Rashid, Travis Fitch and Zlatko Yanakiev helped develop the Urban Tattoo collection, which Stratasys said it believes will “appeal to multiple brands that reach across diverse socio-economic backgrounds.”
Zehavit Reisin, senior vice president of commercial solutions for Stratasys, said that level of customization gives brands the opportunity to meaningfully apply the 3D printing technology.
“Many brands are limited in how much they can mass produce denim clothing, while maintaining a level of personalization that has meaning to the wearer,” Reisin said in a statement. “We are giving brands the opportunity to do something remarkable, to bring more character to their clothing line, while pushing a more sustainable business practice that appeals to multiple audiences across the consumer spectrum.”
Stratsys will make the direct-to-garment printing trays in two different sizes, which will help avoid unnecessary waste and support a range of garments and sizes. The system can be used on denim, cotton, polyester and linen, according to the company.
The technology’s multifaceted use cases could help convince brands and consumers alike of the creative ways they can use additive design to upcycle garments.
According to researchers, the average American consumer generates 82 pounds of textile waste annually. Some brands have already turned to repair and resale programs, while others have started take back programs for eventual textile recycling. But if consumers can repurpose items before end of life, they may be inclined to purchase fewer garments new.
Naomi Kaempfer, Stratasys’ creative director, said the technology goes a step beyond embellishment—it adds life to garments, which in turn gives consumers the freedom to express themselves through their clothing.
“By adding layers of stories and symbolism that resonate with the individuality of the wearer, these tattoos help consumers promote their identity, and celebrate their individuality. It is a testament to the transformative power of additive manufacturing technology in fashion,” she said in a statement.
