C2CAD: a sustainable apparel design and production model

TLDR

The paper introduces C2CAD, a cradle‑to‑cradle apparel design and production model that offers guidelines for designers and manufacturers to address sustainability challenges in apparel production. C2CAD was created by integrating McDonough and Braungart’s cradle‑to‑cradle framework into existing apparel models, then applied to knitwear as a proof of concept, with its performance and cost evaluated. The model comprises four steps—problem definition, sample making, solution development and collaboration, and production—leading to the creation of cost‑effective, mechanically and color‑fast “Four‑season sustainability” children’s knitwear prototypes that demonstrate the model’s practical applicability across economic, social, and environmental sustainability pillars.

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement a new sustainable apparel design and production model, cradle to cradle apparel design (C2CAD), that provides guidelines for apparel designers and manufacturers to solve some of the sustainability problems related to apparel production. Design/methodology/approach The C2CAD model was developed by integrating McDonough and Braungart's “cradle to cradle” model into existing apparel design and production models. Knitwear design and production was used to implement the C2CAD model as a proof of concept. The performance and cost of the C2CAD knitwear were evaluated. Findings The C2CAD model has four main steps: problem definition and research; sample making; solution development and collaboration; and production. Following the four steps and with an international collaboration similar to current apparel industry practices, “Four‐season sustainability” children's knitwear prototypes were developed. Produced with an acceptable manufacturing cost, the products have good mechanical and color fastness performance. Practical implications The C2CAD model provides practical guidelines for apparel designers and manufacturers and allows them to address all three pillars in sustainable development: economic development, social development, and environmental protection. Originality/value The C2CAD is the first apparel design and production model that emphasizes sustainability in addition to functional, expressive, and aesthetic considerations. The production process of “Four‐season sustainability” children's knitwear demonstrated the implementation of C2CAD model in sustainable apparel design and production.