Integrating Sustainable Practices in Fashion: Additive Manufacturing for Eco-Friendly, Mediterranean-Inspired Accessories

Abstract

The fashion industry is currently undergoing a structural transformation toward the adoption of sustainable practices, driven by growing environmental, social, and ethical awareness. This study explores how brands can integrate sustainability into their value chains by analyzing strategies that include the use of low-impact materials, the implementation of circular economy principles, the digitalization of production processes, and the promotion of transparency in communication. The analysis also addresses the critical issues associated with the fast fashion model, with particular emphasis on the risks of greenwashing and the lack of traceability across supply chains. In this context, the case study of the emerging brand designedbyedoardo is examined, illustrating a responsible, artisanal approach characterized by limited production runs, transparent processes, and attention to socio-environmental impact. Through an interdisciplinary lens that combines design, management, and sustainable innovation, the paper proposes an operational framework to support brands in their ecological transition. Finally, it highlights how transparent communication, grounded in verifiable data, represents not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic asset for promoting virtuous models, reinforcing brand legitimacy, and contributing to a systemic shift toward sustainability within the fashion sector.