BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Walmart Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:WMT), a major global retailer, has partnered with unspun, a fashion technology company, to launch a pilot project that explores a novel 3D weaving technology for producing garments. The initiative aims to address environmental concerns in the apparel industry by potentially reducing waste and bringing more textile manufacturing back to the United States.
The pilot focuses on the production of workwear style pants for a Walmart house brand using unspun's 3D weaving machines. Unlike traditional methods that weave yarn into flat fabrics before cutting and assembling them into garments, 3D weaving technology spins yarn directly into complete garments, which could significantly cut down on fabric waste and streamline the manufacturing process.
Andrea Albright, executive vice president of Sourcing at Walmart, highlighted the project's alignment with the company's goals of innovation, job creation, and sustainability within its supply chain. unspun's co-founder Beth Esponnette emphasized the opportunity to scale their technology through the partnership, potentially disrupting the garment manufacturing industry and reducing waste.
The collaboration could lead to the establishment of additional microfactories across the U.S., with unspun aiming to deploy 350 machines by 2030. The success of the pilot may deepen the partnership between the two companies.
Walmart has previously showcased various technology-driven initiatives and has committed to sustainability goals, including a target to be 50% powered by renewable energy by 2025 and 100% by 2035. The retailer has engaged with over 5,900 suppliers globally in Project Gigaton, with reported projects expected to exceed a 1 billion metric ton reduction in carbon emissions.
This pilot project is based on a press release statement and represents a continuing effort by Walmart to integrate innovative technologies into its operations and address environmental challenges within the retail and apparel sectors.
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