“White Coat x AI x Sustainability” Collaboration Project with Synflux Launched
Classico Inc. has launched a collaborative project with Synflux Corporation (“Synflux”), a company that proposes sustainable fashion using cutting-edge technology.
Project Background
Classico views uniforms that support medical workplaces as “important work tools” and has pursued an environmentally friendly approach in the manufacturing process. To date, we have promoted sustainable approaches, such as the use of “yarn-dyed” fabrics that reduce the CO2 emissions required during dyeing by 52.7%.
Meanwhile, the problem of fabric waste in the fashion industry remains serious. To tackle this issue head-on, we launched a project to optimize pattern design for medical uniforms in collaboration with Synflux, which has developed a proprietary algorithm using AI.
Project Details
For this project, Synflux’s proprietary technology “Algorithmic Couture”(*) was used to significantly streamline the pattern design of medical uniforms. This technology uses AI to analyze and calculate the optimal pattern layout for using as little fabric as possible without waste, based on 3D data of the garment. Specifically, the following methods are employed
- By reducing fabric waste to the utmost limit, the company contributes to the reduction of waste fabric. According to our own calculations with the company’s technology, the waste ratio is expected to be reduced by approximately 9-10% compared to conventional methods. This not only reduces environmental impact but also leads to cost reduction.
- Optimization of pattern placement: The design of patterns, which would take an enormous amount of time with conventional human placement, was streamlined through precise analysis and calculation by AI, achieving results in a short period of time.
- Improved sewing efficiency: Instead of relying on detailed paper patterns, efficiency can be improved without increasing the number of sewing locations. Multifaceted efficiency improvements are also expected, taking into account the man-hours required for sewing operations at factories and even the reduction of electricity consumption.
Another important point is that working with Synflux made it possible to preserve the traditional design and identity of the brand while also being environmentally friendly. We did not simply reduce fabric waste; we maintained the high quality required in the medical field by combining design and functionality. This project was a step forward in symbolizing sustainable future manufacturing as well as reducing environmental impact.
Algorithmic Couture” by *Synflux is a next-generation design system implemented using algorithms and 3D technology to reduce textile waste, one of the major challenges in the garment manufacturing process. The system enables the generation of 2D pattern data optimized for low waste from 3D data of garments, which can significantly reduce the fabric waste rate from approximately 15-30% in the past.
We aim to achieve industrial efficiency, environmental friendliness, and comfort, all with a shift to “optimized production” that overcomes the current mass production system.
About the products utilizing this project
As the first product of the collaboration, a white coat (men’s white coat: short coat, MOVE) was released on Thursday, January 16, 2012. More products utilizing this project will be released in the future.
This short coat gives a smart impression with a moderately relaxed silhouette that can be worn as if you were quickly throwing it on. The lightweight and minimalist design takes advantage of the lightness of the material, and the functionality of this white coat makes it suitable for active scenes.
Part Number: B19
Product Name: Men’s White Coat: Short Coat, MOVE
Color: white
Size: XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL
Price: 32,890 yen including tax
Scheduled to be released on Thursday, January 16, 2025
Comment from Kazuya Kawasaki, CEO and Representative Director, Synflux, Inc.
Synflux has been collaborating with sports apparel and fashion brands to create sustainable fashion using AI and algorithms. Synflux has been collaborating with sports apparel and fashion brands to create sustainable fashion using AI and algorithms, but this is the first time we are working on uniforms. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Classico and hope to contribute to the environmental sustainability and reduction of the environmental impact of Classico’s products, which are a gentle and beautiful companion to the daily lives of those working in the medical field.
Shin Yamato, CEO and Representative Director, Classico Co.
We at Classico have been pursuing the creation of products that are friendly to the wearer and the environment, starting with the idea of “Bringing sensitivity to the medical field. We at Classico have been pursuing the creation of products that are friendly to the wearer and the environment, starting with the idea of “bringing sensitivity to the medical field. The lab coats and scrubs created in collaboration with Synflux are a new step forward in realizing environmental friendliness, high design quality, and functionality at the same time through the use of AI technology. By combining the knowledge and passion of both companies, we have expanded the possibilities for manufacturing products that people working in the medical field can wear with pride, while at the same time caring for the future of the earth. We look forward to working with Synflux to further develop this project and pave the way for a future where sustainable medical apparel is the norm.”
Significance of the Project and Future Prospects
The apparel industry is considered one of the industries that generates a lot of waste. This initiative is one of the challenges to achieve sustainable medical apparel not only by reducing waste, but also through the creation of an efficient production system.
Products incorporating the content of this collaborative project will be available on January 16 (Thu) for the above lab coats, followed by scrubs (*only some products) on February 27 (Thu).
As a next step, we are considering introducing the technology into our standard line of medical scrubs. By utilizing the technology in products with high production volume, we will further reduce environmental impact and continue to collaborate with Synflux to explore the possibilities of new designs and technologies.
Classico will continue to provide environmentally friendly and sustainable products while utilizing AI and advanced technologies. Through this project, we will raise the awareness of society as a whole toward sustainable manufacturing and pave the way for a new era of standards.
A NOTE article in which the core members of the project talk about the impetus for and behind the scenes of this collaborative project is also available. Please take a look.
Updating White Coats with AI”: Classico x Synflux’s New Normal for Sustainable Medical Uniforms
For the press release on this matter, please click here >.
Overview of Synflux Corporation
Synflux is a speculative design laboratory that uses advanced digital technology to create fashion for the planet. We are working to transform the fashion system for the next generation, aiming to realize a regenerative and creative society in which every person can express their own creativity as a vibrant individual, with consideration for the planet and nature.
In order to reduce textile waste, one of the major challenges in the garment manufacturing process, we have developed and are operating our own innovative design system, “Algorithmic Couture,” which utilizes algorithms and 3D technology. Using this system, it is possible to automatically generate 2D pattern data optimized for low waste from the 3D data of a garment, thereby drastically reducing the cloth waste rate from approximately 15-30% in the past. With a shift to “optimized production” that overcomes the current mass production system, we aim to achieve all of the following: industrial efficiency, environmental friendliness, and comfort.
Company name: Synflux Corporation
Head Office: 2-26-8 Higashi-Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director & CEO: Kazuya Kawasaki
URL: https: //www.synflux.io/
