Collectively Reclaimed: 3D Printing + Recycling

3D Printers, Micro-controllers, Advanced Materials and Wearable Technology are the future of the fashion industry. Tara Brown a Forbes contributor wrote an article named “The Future of Fashion: Download File and Print” where she explains some of the current technology, immersing itself with today’s fashion industry. She also touches on some of the mergers happening as more engineers and architects are partnering with designers and using their knowledge to produce wearable technologies. These partnerships will continue to expand across the industry, technology will encapsulate the runway and soon the consumer will be able to take part by purchasing and creating their own gadgets. This is a remarkable advancement and allows the fashion industry to make strides in areas untouched before.

I have one problem with this growth, how do these technologies work to better our planet and our over-consumption lifestyles? These ideas seems to be feeding into the ever growing consumer age where more is better. I’d rather spend my time admiring a sustainable practice instead of watching a tech-couture fashion show. I’d rather own a beautiful garment that was hand embroidered or created from recycled materials and made with love or for a purpose, than something printed from a machine. This is my opinion and although the 3D printing age is upon us, I have found a company who is using this technology in an innovative way with the planet in mind.

Will.i.am. has partnered with Coco-Cola and 3D Systems to create EKOCYCLE the brand and the EKOCYCLE Cube 3D printer. Will.i.am. the Chief Creative Officer approached Coco-Cola with his idea for the 3D printer after he was inspired from viewing the aftermath of garbage and lack of recycling after one of his shows. He couldn’t understand why more people didn’t recycle and wanted to find a way to reuse the waste that is accumulated every day. The EKOCYCLE Cube 3D printer uses recycled plastic bottle and cans, to create a filament cartridge that will then be placed in the printer to create new products. EKOCYCLE believes that materials can always have a new beginning. The products printed since its creation last year have been accessories, gadgets/tech gear as well as fashion items such as suits, shirts and hats. Consumers can purchase the waste-less products directly online or take part in the movement by purchasing their own Cube printer from Cubify.

I have more respect for companies that work towards innovation and who also take part in sustainable activities, especially if those activities clean up the mess consumers create from consuming products. Don’t be afraid to contradict growth and applaud those who take part in innovation through sustainability. This is technology I can believe in.