Every garment typically goes through multiple physical prototypes and samples - each made, shipped, tried-on, tweaked and often scrapped. This process takes a lot of time, budget, and materials - creating emissions and pre-consumer waste.
At FLÖDE, we reduce that loop by incorporating 3D modeling alongside our hands-on methods in the development of a product as a powerful tool to build better from the outset. This allows us to visualize the design, fit, function and much more with almost endless possibilities.
These types of newer tools are meant to be a complement. It shouldn't be a means to rush the process of getting a product to the market that has no need. Sampling is a crucial part of the process of producing products that will be good throughout the parameters. The work here will ultimately show in the end result in the garment itself.
Why 3D modeling can make a difference
There are multiple design platforms that enable teams to generate realistic digital samples with accurate fabric drape, texture, and fit. By partially moving parts of early prototyping into the digital realm, you free up creative bandwidth to test variations rapidly, spot issues sooner, and collaborate seamlessly across functions.
The result?
- 24–48 % less material waste is estimated in 3D-based sampling versus traditional methods. *
- CO₂ emissions drop by up to 97 % per digital sample, since no water, chemicals, dye, or cut-offs are involved. *
- Design-to-approval cycles can be shortened, speeding innovation tinmelines dramatically. This allows better and faster decision making, reducing stress and pressure from tough timelines. *
Looking Ahead: 3D and Circular Innovation
Across the industry, advanced 3D modeling is redefining how garments come to life - dramatically slashing material waste while unlocking on‑demand and made‑to‑measure production. But the real opportunity lies in applying these same tools to upcycling: creating visualizations that show how discarded apparel - textiles that have already “paid” their energy dues, can become the raw material for entirely new products.
FLÖDE´s approach has always been to preserve the raw material and resources that already exist in discarded products. To reimagine and create. A tool like this can allow us to show this ideation, reduce the impact and make our processes as good as possible using virtual modeling to streamline fit, reduce waste, and build upcycling lines that are scalable.
Usages:
- Generate unlimited product variants, simulating construction, fabric behavior, sizing and fit digitally.
- Spot design clashes before any material is cut.
- Visualize colors and patterns instantly with realistic virtual samples.
Proof from the Field
- European commission-backed research indicates 3D printing can save up to 90% of natural resources by eliminating cut-offs.
- Fashion industry data suggests 35% of fabric becomes waste in sampling alone. Digitalizing that process alone dramatically reduces the waste. *
- Brands using 3D prototyping report fewer physical samples, faster approvals, and lower costs, with some cutting prototyping cycles nearly in half.*
Conclusion
Unlocking the full potential of circular textiles demands smarter design workflows combining both tactile and digital methods. At FLÖDE, 3D modeling isn’t a replacement for real‑world expertise; it’s a complement. For our philosophy, No More New, smarter design workflows are critical - 3D modeling is a tool that can help us reduce mistakes in our decisions that are critical to the products.
We need to make decisions that are guided by the material flows and genuine demand, designing what people need and sourcing from the millions of garments already produced that can be used as raw material.
By centering our process on these existing textiles—and upcycling them into new, high‑value products, we bridge the best of both worlds: the speed and waste‑saving power of digital tools and the durability and soul of products built to last. This is how “No More New” becomes more than a slogan—it becomes a system where every item earns its next chapter.
Let’s rethink our products and production together for a more circular and feasible upcycling. Lets collaborate!
