Seoul National University Develops Biodegradable Conductive Fiber for Wearable Electronics

The fashion and textile industries are increasingly focusing on sustainability through innovative strategies and materials to reduce environmental impacts. A new playbook offers apparel brands practical, science-based solutions to minimize microfiber pollution across the supply chain, including design, sourcing, and manufacturing interventions, which experts believe could significantly reduce this pervasive issue if widely adopted. Concurrently, researchers at Seoul National University have developed a fully biodegradable conductive fiber for wearable electronics, addressing the challenge of e-textile waste by enabling natural decomposition without harmful residues. The denim jeans market is also evolving with advancements in sustainable fabric production and garment finishing, driven by consumer demand for environmentally conscious products and facilitated by online retail expansion. Additionally, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is playing a role in sustainable manufacturing by optimizing cutting paths to reduce material waste, coolant use, and energy consumption. These developments reflect a broader industry trend toward integrating sustainability into all aspects of design, production, and product lifecycle management.