Walmart has collaborated with San Francisco-based technology fashion startup Unspun on a pilot project to investigate how the Vega 3D weaving technology could be utilised in the supply chain. 

The initial partnership features a line of chino pants, as part of Unspun’s strategy to install 3D weaving machines at microsites across the US, with a goal of 350 machines in operation by 2030.

“One big problem with the clothing industry today is that because clothing is made before people want it, excess inventory has to be produced,” said Beth Esponnette, co-founder and chief product officer of Unspun. 

While traditional methods of apparel production require fabric to be cut and stitched, Unspun’s 3D weaving technology skips these steps, going straight from yarn to garment and eliminating process waste such as fabric loss, discarded inventory, and transportation emissions. 

According to Walmart, this “thrilling innovation” has the potential to solve industry difficulties, unlock and create skilled jobs in the US, meet consumer demand for locally created clothing, and provide transparency and sustainability in the apparel supply chain. 

There will be no leg seams in the 3D-woven chino, and labels will be woven into the garment rather than sewed in, to provide more comfort.

Last year, Walmart conducted a pilot project with Rubi Laboratories to investigate implementing a patent-pending carbon capture technique into its supply chain and converting carbon emissions into thread for a garment prototype.