Potential Of Marker Leftovers

Collaboration project between design students from Estonian Academy of Arts and Aruna Clothing Company

With the help of a pioneer in sustainable fashion design Reet Aus and a progressive partner Aruna Clothing Company from India, a group of master's degree students were researching the client's manufacturing leftovers, based on the product types, material composition and volumes to make a sustainable design guide for both factories and designers. The aim was to focus on circular design methods: Can the product be recycled easily after it has been worn out? How to optimise and create better value for the materials and bring more opportunities for revenue with the help of product design?

Students came up with several concepts from zero waste to using cutting leftovers. Here is an example of first draft of a cross-body bag, created from marker leftovers. From 85% of marker efficiency to an extra 10% of saved materials. Volume: 50 000 pcs per production every two months.

We approached this project carefully, as it was our very first undertaking of this scale. We studied our client’s business to create a focused and effective solution. Although this was yet a student experimentation, a development of product ideas and further optimisation of processes can save a company a lot of money while generating more opportunities for development.

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We loved working with this client, and look forward to collaborating together on many more successful projects in the future.