Moreover, most of these substances prove to be toxic through interaction or degradation, as is the case with azo dyes that are ubiquitous and persistent in the environment.

Through my research in sustainable textile design, I explore how design can contribute to making the textile industry more environmentally friendly, focusing on raising ecological awareness among designers, decision-makers, and the general public.

textile dyes
Dyes made from agri-food waste and inspired by Pantone. (Vanessa Mardirossian), Fourni par l'auteur
Design-led solutions
In the 1960s, designer Victor Papanek was the first to address environmental issues related to industrial product design. Meanwhile, biologist Rachel Carson initiated the emergence of ecological consciousness, shedding light on the profound impact of human activity on the environment.

Then in the 1990s, green chemistry facilitated collaboration between design and biology to develop ecological textiles. Aligned with The Hannover Principles, these textiles aimed to enhance waste management and preserve water purity. Intending to harmonize the interdependence between human activity and the natural world by eliminating toxic inputs at their source, these principles also gave rise to the “Cradle to Cradle” ecodesign philosophy that popularized the concept of circular design in the early 2000s.

An inspired approach from nature
Humanity has always drawn inspiration from nature to create.