Upcycling: um importante aliado para minimizar os impactos ambientais causados pelo descarte irregular de resíduos têxteis e de vestuário

Abstract

Sustainability in fashion is a topic that has been gaining increasing prominence in the fashion world, encouraging constant reflection on the environmental consequences generated by the apparel industry. The aim of this research is to analyze the environmental impacts resulting from the excessive use of natural resources in the production of textile fibers, the accelerated manufacturing of clothing, excessive consumption, and the improper disposal of garments and textile waste in the environment. Additionally, it seeks to investigate how upcycling can contribute to reducing these effects by applying techniques that extend the lifespan of clothing and decrease waste. To obtain reliable data, a detailed literature review was conducted, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the collected information. Brands in the fashion segment that use upcycling as a key element in their creations were also identified. Furthermore, a mini collection was created and developed, in which the upcycling techniques discussed in the research were applied, along with others resulting from experiments carried out during the analysis process. The results demonstrate the significant impact of the textile industry on the environment and indicate a growing interest within the fashion industry in socio-environmental practices, which can be seen as a positive development. It was also observed that upcycling continues to gain prominence in fashion and has proven to be a viable initiative for reducing the environmental impacts stemming from the improper disposal of textiles and clothing.