TEAM: MIB 2-3

MATER NATURA

Executive summary

Problem identification: The fast fashion industry contributes to waste pollution and harms the environment.

Proposed solution: Our start-up is Introducing 3D printing, allowing on-demand production, which eliminates the need for mass production and minimizes the amount of excess inventory that ends up as waste.

Target opportunity: A significant trend in the fashion business has been using 3D printing, mainly recycled materials. However, the market size can vary greatly depending on geography, customer desire, and the general acceptance rate of sustainable design practices. However, the demand is growing. More and more businesses are interested in this matter. The expected base year value of 2023 is US$ 4251.7 million.

Moreover, the anticipated forecast value of 2033 is US$ 10,246.6 million. Finally, the value-based compound annual growth rate of 2023 to 2033 determines how much it has grown over a certain period, 9.2%. According to this information, our solution has an increasing market opportunity. Additionally, we assume that we are targeting companies with an interest in and a budget for sustainable practices.

Our target market represents the brand’s board of executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and, ultimately, the Chief Sustainability Officer, who has this environmental interest at heart.

Competitive analysis: We identified two main competitors:

• Indeed, to produce sustainable fabrics, H&M has been looking into the usage of 3D printing technology. They were utilizing 3D printing to make sustainable materials, consistent with their dedication to innovation and sustainability in the fashion sector.
• Under Armour employs fashion 3D printers capable of producing individual pieces of apparel, buttons, accessories, and other design elements rather than the entire garment. It is easy and quick to add minor end-use accessories with 3D printing. Additionally, Under Armour uses 3D printing technology, which makes it possible to use cutting-edge and environmentally friendly materials like biodegradable filaments or recycled plastics. The demand for goods transportation can be significantly reduced by producing 3D-printed clothing locally or even at home.
  

Expected impact: Our solution reduces textile waste. It contributes to sustainability as it reduces manufacturing waste. Indeed, compared to conventional clothes manufacturing methods, 3D printing enables accurate material consumption, which can save waste. It also extends product lifespan. 3D clothing printed may be very durable and highly personalized. Consumers are less likely to abandon products owing to poor fit or shifting fashion trends when they can receive clothing that exactly fits them and matches their style preferences thanks to customization. Long-lasting clothes can result from using durable materials in 3D printing, which lowers the overall need for replacements and consumption.

The carbon impact is further decreased by 3D printing with eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

Finally, it reduces end-of-life disposal: 3D-printed clothes consisting of recyclable or biodegradable materials may be more ecologically responsible to discard when their useful life is through. The demand to produce raw materials can be decreased by reusing recyclable resources. Materials that degrade more quickly in the environment put less stress on landfills.