The fashion industry is a major contributor to global waste, producing an estimated 92 million tons annually. Much of this waste comes from fabric defects that never reach consumers. To combat these outdated practices, companies are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies to minimize waste and promote sustainable change.
Initiatives like the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Compute for Climate Fellowship support climate tech startups. The fellowship provides funding in the form of AWS credits to startups developing solutions to combat the climate crisis. One participant, Smartex, uses AI-powered defect detection to transform textile manufacturing.
Smartex uses a camera system that captures fabric images from multiple angles and light sources. The system detects defects and alerts operators to stop the machine, preventing further waste. AWS provides the infrastructure for Smartex to gather data and train AI models, enabling continuous learning and improvement. The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and consumes 141 billion cubic meters of water each year. AI innovations are reducing excess production and overstocking, creating economically viable solutions for a more sustainable future.