Design optimisation of TPU modular footwear for sustainable fashion: a South African Fashion Week case study, 2023

Abstract

The fashion industry is continuously evolving, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) produced modular footwear is emerging as a trend for sustainability. This study aims to optimise the design of TPU modular fashion footwear for the South African fashion sector. The practice-based case study investigated the factors that influence the design and manufacturing of modular footwear using TPU, with a focus on enhancing sustainability. A design framework was developed using CAD software and evaluated the effectiveness of the optimised design in enhancing sustainability through a case study conducted at the SA Fashion Week in 2023. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was employed to collect and analyse data, contributing to the development of sustainable and fashionable modular footwear for the fashion industry. It further provides insights into the challenges associated with the design and manufacturing of TPU modular fashion footwear.