Abstract:

The textile and fashion sector is the second most polluting sector in the world, closely followed by the oil industry. The environmental damage associated with this industry has been increasing in recent decades, driven by the rapid and relentless expansion of the sector. Textiles produce considerable amounts of waste, use a multitude of toxic chemicals during its production chain, contribute to water and soil pollution and emit greenhouse gases.

Currently, the design and creation of garments is defined by the trends set by fast fashion. This new consumer trend generates a huge production, high pollution and finally a high generation of textile waste, both pre-consumer and post-consumer. On the opposite side of fast fashion is eco-design, an approach that seeks to integrate environmental and sustainable considerations into all stages of the garment design and production process, taking into account the entire life cycle of a product, from material sourcing to production and disposal.

The aim of the Fashion.ED project is to improve the skills of higher education students in eco-design in fashion and textiles, thus making them real agents of change; as well as to develop their entrepreneurial skills by promoting eco-design, supporting awareness of the green transition, environmental challenges and contributing to the growth of the circular economy.

To this end, a free online course based on Eco-design in Fashion and Textiles has been designed. Through this course, students will develop their sustainability skills by providing them with training and resources on eco-design principles and sustainable business practices.

To stimulate new innovative learning and teaching practices, several virtual lab experiments related to eco-design will also be created, using 3D representations of the machinery needed to carry out the experiments in the same way as in a real textile lab. In addition, the project includes transnational training and a competition for students to develop business plans for sustainable fashion companies, providing them with practical experience and exposure to the business sector. These activities will help to foster students' exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship and help them to turn their ideas into viable businesses.

Keywords:

Fashion, Textile, Eco-design, 3D Teaching Practices.