Could single-use fast fashion systematically biodegrade at the same pace of consumption?
The ephemeral nature of fast fashion captures the ‘latest’ trends affordabillity. However there is an inherent problem in how seemingly desirable garments become obsolete in a short period of time.
As a project Systemised Obsolescence looks to sustainably innovate whilst still embracing mainstream consumers’ insatiable appetite for inexpensive garments. Asking if we can’t get people to buy less then can we get them to buy biodegradable garments that have much shorter life spans? Therefore drastically reducing fast fashions environmental impact on the planet.
This project looks at the potential of biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester, (PLA) as a garment material. Derived from cornstarch, tapioca and sugarcane fiber, PLA can currently be upcycled along with household food and organic garden waste. Within the current infrastructure; industrial composting can return nutrients to the soil inside a 90-day timeframe, allowing for a new closed loop clothing system.