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Design+ Traditional handcrafting and sustainability

Figure 20. Graph of case study classification by demographic group

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Table 4. Case study classification by demographic group et al. demonstrate that modern consumers are willing
to invest in sustainable products, thereby reinforcing the
Demographic group Percentage sector’s long-term economic viability.
Women 28.79
The development of ecological and social labeling
Men 4.55 systems, as discussed by Koszewska, facilitates product
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Youth 3.03 differentiation and creates new opportunities for
Elders 3.00 promoting traditional techniques. These labels can enhance
Minorities 9.09 the relationship between producers and consumers,
Mixed 6.00 contributing to a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Mixed/neutral systems 45.45 In Sweden, the Reko-ring/Rejäl Konsumtion (REKO)
program establishes closed-loop economic chains between
been revived through collaborations with international producers and consumers by eliminating intermediaries.
designers, leading to the development of alternative Although originally developed for agriculture, the REKO
economic models that support sustainability. model is now being extended to the handicraft sector. 127,128
The revival of traditional techniques contributes not In summary, economic sustainability in the fashion
only to environmental and cultural sustainability but also to sector relies on the revitalization of traditional techniques
enhanced consumer value. Niinimäki argues that shifting and a commitment to ethical consumption, offering
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from the consumption of disposable products to those that opportunities for local community growth and prosperity
respect tradition can offer a new perspective in the market. (Figure 21).
The study highlights the importance of designing sustainable
products that incorporate traditional techniques, thereby 4.7. Application of traditional techniques and
supporting economic sustainability in the fashion sector. handicrafts in contemporary fashion
Moreover, it demonstrates that education and investment in The application of traditional techniques and handicrafts
traditional skills can create new employment opportunities in contemporary fashion has gained increasing
and strengthen local economies. significance as consumers become more aware of the
Recent studies, such as that of Imran et al., highlight social and environmental impacts of the industry. Some
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the need for innovation and the growing importance contemporary examples include:
of sustainability in the fashion industry, indicating that • Clothing companies incorporating handicrafts:
consumers are increasingly drawn to products that combine Companies such as Patagonia and Everlane incorporate
quality with social responsibility. Furthermore, Henninger traditional techniques into their manufacturing

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 19 doi: 10.36922/DP025190027