Experts see progress on sustainability in the fashion industry

Specialists in innovation and sustainable fashion met in an event held by the Universitat de València that has integrated, for the first time, an artificial intelligence (AI) editor in real time. Participants noted progress on sustainability in the fashion industry.

Likewise, the adoption of new technologies in fashion production and material recycling is rapidly advancing. This includes the development of biodegradable materials, improved recycling techniques, and manufacturing processes that reduce waste and resource consumption. Results are available here.

Professor Esteban Galán, organiser of the event and representative of the Universitat de València at the Fashion Industry Social Forum (orig. Foro Social de la Industria de la Moda) highlighted the efficiency of this technology: "The incorporation of the AI editor in our event not only facilitated an in-depth analysis of the discussions in real time, but also allowed us to dynamically adapt the course of the sessions to maximise the learning and participation of all’attendees."

Vice-Principal for Sustainability, Cooperation and Healthy Life, Pilar Sierra, commented: "This event reflects our continuous efforts to transform the Universitat de València into a leader in sustainability. We are not only committed to education, but also to being active players in the promotion and application of sustainable practices."

The report ’What we have learned’ (orig. Lo que hemos aprendido) of the Fashion Industry Social Forum, which highlighted the progress and challenges in incorporating sustainable practices in fashion, was presented. The panel discussion was moderated by María Rodríguez, an expert in responsible consumption who also took the opportunity to express her enthusiasm for the recent incorporation of the Universitat de València into the Fashion Industry Social Forum. The panel was also attended by Tamara Antón, from CCOO, and Aitor Boiza, from the Valencian Association of Footwear Entrepreneurs (AVECAL). Isidor Boix, co-founder of the Fashion Industry Social Forum, together with María Rodríguez, also attended the event.

The panel ’Research and higher education in fashion and sustainability’ (orig. Investigación y formación superior en moda y sostenibilidad), moderated by Esteban Galán, included speakers such as Director of the MANGO Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility Xavier Carbonell, Professor of Audiovisual Communication at the Universitat Politècnica de València Nadia Alonso, and Lindsey Drylie Carey, from Glasgow Caledonian University. They discussed how universities are addressing the challenges of sustainability in education and its impact on new generations of fashion professionals.

José Badía moderated the panel on ’Innovation and technology for sustainable fashion’ (orig. Innovación y tecnología para una moda sostenible), with the participation of Borja Mateu, Mireia Fernández Bazán, Vicente Sánchez Cambra and Sara Gil Mora. The panel explored the ways in which new technologies can contribute to sustainable solutions in fashion design and production, and highlighted the crucial role of chemical recycling and fabric innovation.

Emilio Sáez Soro, professor at the Universitat Jaume I and artificial intelligence editor, talked about his experience: "The integration of AI in this event not only optimised our response capacity to debates, but also raised the quality of the analysis and conclusions during the conference."

This event has proven to be a significant example of how the integration of advanced technology and sustainable practices can reshape education and industries towards a more responsible and conscious future.