Walmart and unspun Collaborate on 3D Fabric Weaving Technology, Aiming To Reduce Apparel Manufacturing Waste and Drive US-Based Manufacturing
Walmart (WMT) collaborates with unspun on a pilot project to revolutionize garment production through 3D weaving technology, aiming to reduce environmental impact and support domestic manufacturing.
The collaboration between Walmart and unspun signifies a strategic move that could disrupt the traditional apparel manufacturing industry. By leveraging 3D weaving technology, the potential to streamline the supply chain is significant. This technology promises to reduce lead times and inventory waste, which are critical factors in retail profitability. For Walmart, an increase in supply chain efficiency can lead to cost savings and potentially lower prices for consumers, enhancing their competitive edge in a market that is increasingly price-sensitive.
Moreover, the pilot project aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products. By adopting more environmentally friendly production practices, Walmart is positioning itself favorably among eco-conscious shoppers. This strategic alignment with sustainability trends could result in increased customer loyalty and market share gains, particularly among younger demographics that prioritize corporate social responsibility.
The environmental implications of the partnership between Walmart and unspun are noteworthy. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally and any initiative that aims to reduce the environmental footprint is of great importance. 3D weaving technology could minimize fabric waste during the garment production process, which is a significant issue in the textile industry. By reducing waste, the technology not only supports environmental sustainability but also aligns with the principles of the circular economy.
Additionally, shifting more textile manufacturing back to the U.S. may have implications for reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of goods. However, it is crucial to consider the energy consumption and potential emissions of the 3D weaving technology itself. If the technology is energy-efficient and utilizes renewable energy sources, the long-term benefits could be substantial for both the environment and Walmart's sustainability goals.
From a financial perspective, the pilot project's success could have a positive impact on Walmart's margins and stock performance. The reduction in production time and inventory management costs afforded by 3D weaving technology could enhance Walmart's gross margins. Investors should monitor the scalability of this technology, as its widespread adoption could lead to significant cost reductions, thereby improving Walmart's bottom line.
As the project progresses, it will be important to assess the capital expenditures associated with this technology and the return on investment. Investors should also consider the potential risks, such as the initial costs of technology adoption and the challenge of integrating new manufacturing processes into existing systems. Nevertheless, if the pilot proves successful and scalable, it could serve as a catalyst for stock growth and revaluation of Walmart's market position as an innovator in retail technology and sustainability.
03/14/2024 - 09:30 AM
-- Companies announce pilot project to explore first-of-its-kind approach to more quickly and efficiently convert yarn directly into garments --
BENTONVILLE, Ark. and SAN FRANCISCO --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Walmart (NYSE: WMT), the world’s leading omnichannel retailer, today announced a pilot project with unspun, a pioneering fashion tech company using the world’s first 3D weaving technology, a collaboration that, if successful, could help reduce the environmental impact of garment production, offer a more sustainable process for meeting apparel demand and support the companies’ shared commitment to shift more textile manufacturing back to the U.S. Out of its micro factory in Oakland, California , unspun’s first-of-its-kind technology promises to more quickly and efficiently transform yarn into garments.
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Walmart and unspun work together to reduce the environmental impact of garment production. (Photo: Business Wire)
The pilot project directly addresses concerns about waste in the apparel industry – a significant global challenge – driven primarily by fabric loss from traditional flat weaving, cutting and garment assembly, and from discarded extra inventory built to meet growing consumer demand and fashion trends. These issues, combined with the emissions generated from transporting garments and fabrics supplied offshore, have created demand for more sustainable apparel manufacturing supply chain solutions.
“At Walmart, we are laser-focused on bringing innovation to our supply chain to better serve our customers and solve industry challenges, and unspun has the potential to do just that,” said Andrea Albright, executive vice president, Sourcing, Walmart. “The technology we are piloting with unspun has the potential to unlock more skilled job creation in the U.S. , meet consumer demand for locally made garments and deliver on our commitment for greater transparency and sustainability in our apparel supply chain.”
Pilot Will Examine 3D Weaving for Pants
In the pilot project, the two companies will explore how unspun’s 3D weaving machines can be used to make workwear style pants under a Walmart house brand. With 3D weaving, yarn is spun directly into completed garments. This is an innovative and new approach to garment manufacturing. Traditionally, yarn is woven into one-dimensional fabrics, which are then cut and assembled into garments – creating waste and taking significant time and multiple manufacturing steps. The 3D weaving process is different from commonly known 3D printing, which creates a physical object from a digital design by laying down thin layers of liquid or powdered plastic, metal or cement.
The two companies aspire to deepen the collaboration into later phases should the pilot prove successful. unspun, in collaboration with a manufacturing partner, hopes to ultimately deploy additional microsites around the U.S. for on- and near-shored manufacturing, with locations to be determined. unspun has an ambition to have 350 machines in the U.S. by 2030.
“The pressing need to address ongoing climate change, reduce carbonization and drive to more transparent and localized apparel manufacturing practices is at the heart of our mission,” said Beth Esponnette, co-founder of unspun. “We have been running low-volume production of commercial products at our first micro factory with proven third-party life cycle assessments to back the impact of this new type of production. Now, together with Walmart, we see an enormous opportunity to take our innovations to scale, with the potential to disrupt the garment manufacturing industry, bring jobs to the USA and drastically reduce waste in apparel.”
"unspun's technology aims to be the fastest, highest quality and most economical way to make woven garments period. Innovative industry leaders like Walmart are beginning to see the future potential impact, and we expect there to be continued interest as the unspun team builds the future of manufacturing," said Shuo Yang, Lowercarbon Capital.
Shaping the Future of Retail
Today’s announcement closely follows a series of innovative tech initiatives unveiled by Walmart in recent months. On Jan. 9, 2024, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas , Walmart showcased tech-powered enhancements, including expanded drone delivery in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex; computer vision exit technology at Sam’s Clubs; AI, GenAI and AR enhancements for customers, members and associates; along with ambitious commitments to clean energy. In July 2023, Walmart announced a pilot for innovative carbon capture and conversion technology also for the apparel manufacturing supply chain.
A long-time leader on sustainability, Walmart has worked with suppliers, NGOs and climate action leaders to inspire positive change across global value chains since 2005. In its own operations, Walmart has set a goal to be powered 50% by renewable energy by 2025 and 100% by 2035. More than 5,900 suppliers globally are engaged in Project Gigaton™, and as of February 21, suppliers have now reported projects that are expected to exceed the 1 billion metric ton mark, helping Walmart reach their goal six years early.
About unspun:
Founded by Beth Esponnette, Walden Lam and Kevin Martin, unspun is a fashion and technology company with a mission to revolutionize garment production and reduce waste in the fashion industry. They have pioneered Vega™️, the world's first 3D weaving technology, which efficiently transforms yarn into garments. By implementing Vega™️ in microfactories, unspun aims to disrupt traditional fashion manufacturing, eliminate the requirement for large order quantities and decrease transportation emissions and lead times. unspun’s technological capabilities and vision for the future of fashion have landed the company on the Vogue 100 innovator's list, Newsweek’s Climate Change innovators, TIME's Best Inventions, Fast Company's World-Changing Ideas and a B-corp certification. To learn more about unspun, visit https://www.unspun.io .
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion corporate.walmart.com , on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart , on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart , and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart .
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blair.cromwell@walmart.com
Source: Walmart Inc.
What is the collaboration between Walmart and unspun about?
Walmart (WMT) and unspun are collaborating on a pilot project to explore a new approach using 3D weaving technology to convert yarn directly into garments more efficiently and sustainably.
Where is unspun's micro factory located?
unspun's micro factory is located in Oakland, California.
What is the goal of the pilot project between Walmart and unspun?
The goal of the pilot project is to reduce the environmental impact of garment production, offer a more sustainable process for meeting apparel demand, and support the shift of textile manufacturing back to the U.S.
How does unspun's technology promise to transform yarn into garments?
unspun's technology promises to more quickly and efficiently transform yarn into garments through the use of 3D weaving technology.
