Updating White Coats with AI”: Classico x Synflux’s New Normal for Sustainable Medical Uniforms
INDEX
Classico has continued to take on the challenge of creating more environmentally friendly products while pursuing design and functionality through the production of uniforms that support the medical field.
In the past, we launched products using “yarn-dyed” fabrics that cut CO2 emissions by 52.7% during the production process and reduce various resources used in dyeing.
How did we join hands with Synflux, a company that shapes the next generation of manufacturing, to create new value?
In this issue, we asked Mr. Miyatake of the MD team, who is at the center of the project, to give us the inside story on the collaboration project with Synflux, a company that proposes sustainable fashion using cutting-edge technology as part of Classico’s new initiatives.
First of all, how did you come to work with Synflux?
Consumption patterns in the fashion industry change on a daily basis. In this context, the uniforms provided by Classico are not just clothes, but also play an important role as “one of the tools of work. That is why we felt it was necessary to provide better value through sustainable initiatives.
I had heard about Synflux’s work with domestic manufacturers and brands, as well as overseas collection brands, through news articles, and I was particularly attracted to their efforts to “reduce” (*) using AI. I wondered if we could incorporate this kind of approach into our own manufacturing, and that is when I contacted them.
*By keeping in mind the order of Reduce→Reuse→Recycle, we can reduce waste and make the most of resources.
Please tell us about this project.
In this initiative, the paper patterns for Classico products were optimized using “Algorithmic Couture” (*) developed by Synflux. Specifically, AI analyzes and adjusts the arrangement of the paper patterns so that a single piece of fabric can be used with as little waste as possible. This is a task that would normally take an enormous amount of time by human labor, but with the help of AI, we were able to achieve this efficiently.
*A design system developed by Synflux that utilizes a proprietary algorithm to minimize material waste during garment production.
Conventional stencils create space as described above, which creates the issue of a large portion of the paper to be discarded.
What attracted you to Synflux as you worked with them?
We were particularly impressed by Synflux’s commitment to waste reduction while respecting Classico’s design and identity. Specifically, they understand and transcend the boundaries between “design” and “art. Design is intended to solve problems, but I was impressed by Synflux’s attitude of expanding its purpose to include social significance and sustainability.
I was also impressed again by the fact that Synflux focuses on “Reduce = Reduce Waste” by taking on the challenge of optimizing fundamental production processes, rather than using existing methods such as “recycling” or “organic fabrics.
However, this would not only change the design significantly, but also increase the number of sewing points, which in turn increases man-hours and electricity costs at the sewing factory, which is far from a “sustainable approach. This is far from a “sustainable approach.
The approach of not doing so, but simply improving the efficiency by devising the placement and orientation, showed a deep commitment to the corporate culture, brand value, and social contribution.
What discoveries or difficulties did you encounter while actually working on the project?
Usually, the process of efficiently arranging the parts of a garment within a given fabric (width) is like a puzzle, so to speak. In addition, various design adjustments must be made at the same time, and it is impossible to predict how much time this will take with human labor. In addition, the bias of the person doing the work can affect the results. However, one of the major points we discovered during the course of this project was that if AI is used, it is possible to process a huge number of patterns in a short time and find the optimal solution in an efficient and bias-free manner.
In terms of difficulties, the first was during the in-house presentation. At first, we were concerned that the design might change, or that it might be too comfortable to wear. or “Wouldn’t it be more comfortable to wear? or “Will it change the comfort level of the garment? However, thanks to the strong support of the men’s designers and MD members, we were able to start the project with a single men’s item.
Also, as mentioned earlier, the important point was “not to destroy the design.” We proceeded to optimize the orientation and placement of the pattern by AI, while not compromising the design or brand identity. This was a very difficult challenge, but thanks to Synflux’s technical capabilities and flexibility, we were able to commercialize the product without changing the design and comfort.
What do you think of the significance of working on this project?
After all, the biggest significance is environmental considerations. The apparel industry produces an extremely large amount of waste, which is difficult to solve fundamentally with conventional methods. This initiative aims not only to reduce waste, but also to create a more sustainable medical apparel by building an efficient production system.
Furthermore, the nature of uniforms for medical professionals requires that we reduce environmental impact without compromising functionality or comfort, and we feel that by utilizing Synflux’s technology, we can solve these issues while providing a better product.
How do you think this project will affect society as a whole?
We believe that the social significance of this project is enormous.
Our goal through this project is not merely to reduce costs and improve efficiency. It will be important in the future to provide comfortable, high-quality uniforms for people working in the medical field while at the same time presenting an environmentally friendly option.
Again, clothing production is one of the industries with the greatest environmental impact. In this context, we believe that our efforts with Synflux will not only result directly in the reduction of waste, but also allow Classico to play a role in setting a new standard for the industry as a whole.
As these efforts spread, environmental awareness will increase throughout the industry, helping to build a more sustainable future.
What are your future plans?
Our next step is to introduce this technology into our standard line of medical scrubs. The environmental impact of producing a large number of pieces will be very large. Furthermore, we would like to continue this initiative over the long term to further increase its impact on society as a whole.
We would also like to continue working with Synflux to explore the possibilities of new designs and technologies for further innovation. We hope that this project will be a catalyst for more sustainable and attractive manufacturing.
Finally, is there anything you would like to tell our readers through this project?
In the apparel industry, I believe that until now, efforts to address environmental issues have often been put on the back burner. However, what I felt through this project is that the evolution of AI technology is changing that. The era in which the pursuit of sustainability means compromising design and functionality is coming to an end.
We will continue to create products that delight the people who use them, while giving due consideration to the environment. We hope that this project will encourage as many people as possible to think about “manufacturing for the future.
