IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/wly/sustdv/v33y2025is1p1145-1160.html

A Stitch in Time: Making Production Processes in Textile‐Based Industries More Sustainable Through 3D Knitting Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Deodat Mwesiumo
  • Hajnalka Vaagen
  • Jasetha Pushparajah
  • Jonas Lie Norem

Abstract

This study explores the transformative potential of 3D knitting technology in enhancing the sustainability of textile‐based industries. Using a multiple‐case study design, the analysis was conducted through qualitative coding and cross‐case integration. The findings indicate that while 3D knitting significantly improves production efficiency, design flexibility, and environmental sustainability, its adoption is accompanied by challenges, including workforce skill gaps and the need for operational adjustments. Additionally, the decision on the strategic implementation path—that is, to integrate 3D knitting within the conventional technology processes or to establish it as an independent venture—depends on factors such as compatibility with current operations, financial commitments to the existing business model, and organizational experience in adopting pioneering technologies. The findings highlight the strategic role of 3D knitting as a disruptive innovation that enhances business agility, allowing quick responses to shifting consumer demands and market dynamics. Regarding implications, the investment in workforce training, restructuring supply chains, financial commitments, and appropriate policy interventions are crucial.

Suggested Citation

  • Deodat Mwesiumo & Hajnalka Vaagen & Jasetha Pushparajah & Jonas Lie Norem, 2025. "A Stitch in Time: Making Production Processes in Textile‐Based Industries More Sustainable Through 3D Knitting Technology," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(S1), pages 1145-1160, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:s1:p:1145-1160
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70055
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.70055
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1002/sd.70055?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bin Shen & Chen Zhu & Qingying Li & Xiaofeng Wang, 2021. "Green technology adoption in textiles and apparel supply chains with environmental taxes," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(14), pages 4157-4174, July.
    2. Vaagen, Hajnalka & Wallace, Stein W., 2008. "Product variety arising from hedging in the fashion supply chains," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 114(2), pages 431-455, August.
    3. Wen, Xin & Choi, Tsan-Ming & Chung, Sai-Ho, 2019. "Fashion retail supply chain management: A review of operational models," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 34-55.
    4. Prodromos D. Chatzoglou & Vassiliki N. Michailidou, 2019. "A survey on the 3D printing technology readiness to use," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(8), pages 2585-2599, April.
    5. Ke Rong & Yong Lin & Jiang Yu & Yue Zhang, 2020. "Manufacturing strategies for the ecosystem-based manufacturing system in the context of 3D printing," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(8), pages 2315-2334, April.
    6. Kosmas Alexopoulos & Ioannis Anagiannis & Nikolaos Nikolakis & George Chryssolouris, 2022. "A quantitative approach to resilience in manufacturing systems," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 60(24), pages 7178-7193, December.
    7. Hickel, Jason & Dorninger, Christian & Wieland, Hanspeter & Suwandi, Intan, 2022. "Imperialist appropriation in the world economy: drain from the global South through unequal exchange, 1990–2015," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 113823, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    8. Amna Farrukh & Aymen Sajjad, 2024. "Drivers for and barriers to circular economy transition in the textile industry: A developing economy perspective," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(6), pages 7309-7329, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Vincenzo Varriale & Antonello Cammarano & Francesca Michelino & Mauro Caputo, 2025. "Critical analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence integration with cutting-edge technologies for production systems," Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Springer, vol. 36(1), pages 61-93, January.
    2. Marić, Josip & Opazo-Basáez, Marco & Vlačić, Božidar & Dabić, Marina, 2023. "Innovation management of three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology: Disclosing insights from existing literature and determining future research streams," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    3. Lin Sun & Qixiang Yuan, 2024. "Only the Friendly Face? The Consequences of Consumer Education for Green Consumerism in Remanufacturing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-16, August.
    4. Ke, Deng-Yao & Hsueh, Cheng (Eugune), 2025. "Data monopoly, financial support, and the diffusion of green technology: The dual effects of platform enterprises' technological openness strategies," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 85(PC).
    5. Locatelli, Bruno & Benra, Felipe & Geneletti, Davide & Loft, Lasse & Loos, Jacqueline & Schröter, Barbara & Winkler, Klara & Zoderer, Brenda Maria, 2025. "Framing the relationship between justice and ecosystem services: A systematic review," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    6. Pettena, Mattia & Raberto, Marco, 2025. "Energy transition and structural change: A calibrated Stock-Flow Consistent Input–Output model," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 949-995.
    7. Neves-Moreira, Fábio & Almada-Lobo, Bernardo & Guimarães, Luís & Amorim, Pedro, 2022. "The multi-product inventory-routing problem with pickups and deliveries: Mitigating fluctuating demand via rolling horizon heuristics," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    8. Julian Martinez-Moya & Francisco Requena & Felipe Bedoya-Maya, 2026. "Shipping connectivity and bilateral trade in low and middle income regions: evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 28(1), pages 139-162, March.
    9. Fung, Yi-Ning & Chan, Hau-Ling & Choi, Tsan-Ming & Liu, Rong, 2021. "Sustainable product development processes in fashion: Supply chains structures and classifications," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    10. Naragain Phumchusri & Nichakan Phupaichitkun, 2024. "Sales prediction hybrid models for retails using promotional pricing strategy as a key demand driver," Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 23(5), pages 461-480, October.
    11. Ding, Jin & Baumers, Martin & Clark, Elizabeth A. & Wildman, Ricky D., 2021. "The economics of additive manufacturing: Towards a general cost model including process failure," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).
    12. Xiaotie Chen & David L. Woodruff, 2024. "Distributions and bootstrap for data-based stochastic programming," Computational Management Science, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-21, June.
    13. Wen, Xin & Choi, Tsan-Ming & Chung, Sai-Ho, 2019. "Fashion retail supply chain management: A review of operational models," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 34-55.
    14. Giannetti, Biagio F. & Nascimento, Glauco A.do & Netto, Luiz Ghelmandi & Nacimento, Rafael Araujo & Demétrio, Fernando J.C. & Almeida, Cecília M.V.B. & Agostinho, Feni, 2025. "Advancing the diagnosis of poverty traps: A regional application of Emergy Theory and the 5SEnSU model in Brazil," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 510(C).
    15. Jonathan F Cogliano & Roberto Veneziani & Naoki Yoshihara, 2024. "The dynamics of international exploitation," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 56(5), pages 1420-1446, August.
    16. Niu, Baozhuang & Lai, Chengwei & Zheng, Zebin & Zeng, Fanzhuo & Dai, Zhipeng, 2025. "Will supplier's quality improvement discourage competing buyers' joint procurement? Impact of product differentiation and manufacturing cooperation," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 286(C).
    17. Wencheng Zhang & Fengjuan Zhang & Zhuo Cheng, 2025. "Green entrepreneurial orientation and green human capital: unlocking the potential of green supply chain integration through corporate environmental strategy," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, December.
    18. Qi Chen & Qi Xu, 2022. "Joint optimal pricing and advertising policies in a fashion supply chain under the ODM strategy considering fashion level and goodwill," Journal of Combinatorial Optimization, Springer, vol. 43(5), pages 1075-1105, July.
    19. Xu, Xiaoyan & Choi, Tsan-Ming & Chung, Sai-Ho & Guo, Shu, 2023. "Collaborative-commerce in supply chains: A review and classification of analytical models," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).
    20. Selma Ferhat & Raphaël Oger & Eric Ballot & Matthieu Lauras, 2024. "Building a collaborative manufacturing system’s network resilience through an adaptability potential analysis," Post-Print hal-04834992, HAL.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:s1:p:1145-1160. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1099-1719 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.