SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CREATIVE UP-CYCLING OF FABRIC WASTE

In this era of technological advancement, the sustainability of products has become a major concern for society. As a result of its environmental and social impacts, the textile and apparel sector is a focus of the sustainability movement. The textile sector is one of the most environmentally destructive industries in the world. Production is not the only source of producing waste, but consumption is also a source of it. Sustainable development emphasizes the production of indigenous textiles, since it provides employment opportunities, especially for rural communities, and contributes to economic growth and environmental protection. Indian textiles and handicrafts are world-renowned. So, this research investigates the feasibility of sustainable development in fashion by developing up cycled and handmade creative products that combine technology upgrades and traditional styles in a fusion to increase consumption with sustainable development. In this study, up-cycling techniques were explored and adopted to create a range of accessories for women from fabric waste. The later section of the paper presents key findings related to the evaluation and acceptability of sustainable products developed from waste fabric through craft-design up-cycling approaches that are congruent with the principles of sustainability.