3D Printing A  Completely New Generation

In COMM101 Class 14, we talked about entrepreneurship and innovation. The concept of disruptive innovation really caught my attention. Disruptive innovation refers to an innovation that creates a new market and eventually has the ability to disrupt or displace established market leading firms. I believe a prominent example of disruptive innovation is 3D printing.

3D printing is on the rise as it is transforming the way we manufacture and design items. Through 3D printing, costs are cut, time is saved, and the idea of mass customization seems more realistic. All of these benefits are appealing to various companies and is becoming an attractive and worthwhile investment.

I realize that 3D printing has the ability to revolutionize the way different industries operate. I notice the drastic change already in both the manufacturing industry as well as the healthcare/medicine industry.

Currently as 3D printers are still relatively new, the general public doesn’t yet have prime exposure or access to them. However, the shift towards 3D printing is already evident and inevitable. PWC conducted a research back in 2014, the data displayed that 11% of manufacturing companies had already switched to volume production of 3D printed parts or products. . Referencing an external blog by Charlie White on 3D Printing, I can see the impact and numerous opportunities. 

Recently, in mid 2017, Adidas revealed their new shoe which has a 3D printed sole. The new 3D printing technology could save money and time for their production process. “Adidas plans to use the technology to customize shoes for individual consumers.”

This is the beginning of mass customization as 3D printing can be done on an industrial scale but with the ability to design and customize each product. 

 

Furthermore, 3D printing as a new way of manufacturing really impacts the healthcare industry. Since the needs of patients are so specific, it is important to cater to each individual’s needs and requirements. 

For example, the manufacturing company mentioned in the blog, Sonova, partnered with EnvisionTEC to create hearing aids for patients through 3D printing. Not only does the 3D printer print about two dozen hearing aid shells in one hour, it also has the capability to use 3D molds and special software to customize every piece to fit each individual’s ear for optimal comfort.

The innovations of 3D printing are endless, whether printing at an industrial level or just on a small scale. I think that the manufacturing industry will experience the greatest impact from 3D printing being a disruptive innovation. On the other hand, the new generation of mass customization will be a turning point for business processes and help consumers fully comprehend the power of 3D printing.

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Slow Down Fast Fashion

Fast fashion refers to the “phenomenon in the fashion industry whereby production processes are expedited in order to get new trends to the market as quickly and cheaply as possible.” We all know that fashion is ephemeral. Fashion trends are transient, impermanent and very short-lived. Our world is extremely fast paced with our preferences, style and trends changing by the second. Dominant clothing brands such as H&M, Topshop, Forever 21 and Zara are noticing this and has to produce clothing at alarming rates in order to keep up with never ending consumer demands.

 

The clothing industry has become the second most polluting in the world, right behind the oil industry. Clothing businesses should not be solely responsible for this happening, instead as consumers, we should be held accountable too. Consumers are an essential driving force behind the decisions that a business makes as businesses have to satisfy consumer requirements in order to stay competitive. However, everything has its consequences.

Consumerism is the new silent killer. Societies inclination towards buying more and more, faster and faster. We treat the things to “use” as things to “use-up”. Our insatiable cravings are creating unsustainable demands as consumerism forces clothing brands to cut corners. Consumerism within the fashion industry puts increasing pressure on the pillars of sustainability – Social, Economical and Environmental as they deteriorate at an appalling speed.

 

 

An Economically sustainable business is one that is stable in terms of production and operation. Many clothing brands use global production which is outsourced production in order to reduce costs and maximize efficiency. Global production is a benefit to the business but it compromises the Social pillar of sustainability. All dominant clothing brands use sweatshops to get “new trends to the market as quickly and cheaply as possible”. Sweatshops are exploitative and inhumane where workers experience long working hours under poor conditions with ridiculously low wages.

The Stakeholder Theory by Edward Freeman states that all stakeholders have to be satisfied to maintain a healthy business. Employees, as a stakeholder are not satisfied, neither is the environment. However, the question is: “should the environment be considered as a stakeholder?”. The answer is yes because it is our planet, our home. With the synthetic fibres, chemical dyes and excessive waste, the fashion industry is taking a toll on the Environmental pillar of sustainability.

I believe that we are not exactly hopeless. The concept “Sustainable fashion” is on the rise as it raises awareness for social and environmental sustainability. And as for consumers, we have our role to play as well. Becoming “conscious consumers” is crucial. Caring more for fellow people and the planet and being able to understand that everything we relentlessly demand has repercussions.

 

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