Date of Graduation
12-2024
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Apparel Merchandising and Product Development
Advisor/Mentor
Cheramie, Lance
Publication Date
4-29-2024
Description
The textile industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, particularly through water, energy, and chemical pollution. Soy-based materials offer a sustainable alternative due to their biodegradability, renewability, and reduced water and chemical usage compared to traditional textiles. However, the potential of soy materials in fashion design remains largely unexplored. This project aimed to investigate the feasibility and aesthetic potential of soy-based materials in fashion design, with a focus on creating sustainable soy textiles using batik techniques.
The completed soy textile design showcased a moth motif crafted through batik techniques. Vibrant colors and a distinctive texture were achieved through wax application and pigment adherence. This design process underscored the capacity of soy-based materials to produce visually captivating and sustainable textiles.
The methods encompassed soaking and blending soybeans to produce soymilk, bonding natural pigments with soymilk, repurposing soy pulp as livestock feed, employing the batik technique, crafting a moth stencil using BioTex soy-based faux leather material, applying soy wax with a tjanting tool, dyeing fabric with pigments, and hand-stitching soy roving fibers with soy silk thread to enhance texture.
This project affirms the viability of integrating soy-based materials into fashion design. Findings indicate that soy textiles present a sustainable alternative with distinctive aesthetic potential. Future investigations could delve into further design applications and assess the commercial feasibility of soy-based textiles. Ultimately, this project adds to the expanding body of knowledge concerning sustainable fashion practices and materials.
Keywords
design; soy; sustainability; natural dyeing; fashion design; commercialization
Publisher
Apparel Merchandising and Product Development
City
Fayetteville
Disciplines
Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts
Citation
Wright, K. (2024). Exploring the Potential of Soy-Based Materials: Sustainable Textile Design and Apparel Production. Bumpers Research Symposium. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/aflsstuwo/1
Comments
I am grateful to Dr. Lance Cheramie for entrusting me with the honor of representing the University of Arkansas in this design challenge. His unwavering faith and encouragement were pivotal in my decision to undertake this rewarding endeavor.
Thank you to Nextile for organizing this inspiring design challenge and to Jane Durkee for her invaluable communications.
My sincere appreciation extends to the entire Apparel Merchandising and Product Development program – your support and encouragement have been the bedrock of my journey. This achievement is not mine alone; it is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of our entire community here at the University of Arkansas.