WEFFAN Ltd

About the project

Weffan aims to reduce waste from cut-and-sew manufacturing techniques by weaving garments into the fabric using zero-waste pattern design principles applied to 3D weaving techniques. 3D weaving a garment into the fabric condenses wasteful production steps into one near zero-waste process. Weffan’s merging of two significant manufacturing steps into one process eliminates inefficient steps in the supply chain. By decreasing garment production complexity and its environmental impact, 3D weaving can position the UK textile industry for resiliency in a world of climate change, de-globalisation, and resource scarcity. Using current UK loom technology, Weffan designs for resource efficiency using 3D whole garment weaving to reduce production time, steps, and inputs for minimal material waste, transparent, high-quality, and resilient onshore garment manufacturing.

Weffan, in partnership with the University of Leeds’ 3D Weaving Innovation Centre (3DWIC), will focus on the feasibility of shuttle loom weft insertion to optimise near-zero-waste garments. The project aims to validate the zero-waste aspects and fabric durability of 3D woven garment components & whole woven forms, expanding garment shapes, features, and designs to offer a competitive alternative to current wasteful cut & sew manufacturing. It’s a partnership to create a sustainable, competitive, and resilient alternative to wasteful cut & sew garment production at an industrial scale.