The Digital Fabric Library: Transforming the Material Sourcing at Sympatex

At Sympatex, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a core value that guides our actions and decisions. As part of our commitment to a greener future, we are excited to introduce our Digital Fabric Library, a tool that aligns perfectly with our mission to minimize environmental impact in the textile industry.

1. A Greener Approach to Fabric Exploration

The Digital Fabric Library revolutionizes how we and our partners interact with materials. While we still utilize physical fabric swatches when necessary, the library allows our partners to explore an extensive range of our fabrics virtually. This transition significantly lowers the use of physical resources, such as fabric and energy, and helps reduce CO2 emissions associated with shipping. Our goal is to make the textile industry more sustainable, and digitalization plays a crucial role in achieving that.

2. Understanding the Digital Fabric Library

The Digital Fabric Library is a comprehensive online tool that provides users with free access to Sympatex’s diverse fabric offerings – anytime and anywhere. After logging into the DMIx Cloud, users can easily navigate through our fabric library, which is organized into categories like Apparel and C&W (Corporate & Workwear) for simpler navigation. They can view both the front and back sides of our laminates, and for those interested in detailed specifications, product information is readily available. While we still offer physical samples as needed, this tool provides a nearly tactile experience in a much more sustainable format.

3. Enhancing User Experience with Digital Tools

To enhance user experience, the Digital Fabric Library includes a “Start Here” section that gives a quick overview of our products, helping users quickly familiarize themselves with our offerings. The innovative “Digital Twins” feature goes a step further by providing 3D models of our laminates. Designers can integrate these Digital Twins into their 3D design software, such as CLO or Browzwear, allowing them to create realistic virtual prototypes. This does not only streamline the sourcing process, but also reduces the need for physical samples, thereby minimizing waste.

4. Benefits for Our Brand Partners

The benefits of implementing this digital tool extend beyond Sympatex; our brand partners gain significant advantages as well. They enjoy direct access to our materials, which can be seamlessly integrated into their digital design workflows. This speeds up the design process and encourages experimentation without the costs and resource commitments tied to physical prototypes.  Designers and pattern makers can immediately start customising garments in 3D using the physical measurements. Furthermore, the library’s search functions, and detailed views facilitate precise material selection, minimizing errors and ensuring that final products meet exact specifications. The outcome is a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable product development process.

5. A Vision for the Future

As a leader in sustainability, Sympatex is committed to pushing boundaries and exploring innovative solutions. The transition to digital tools like the Digital Fabric Library is an integral part of our long-term vision for a sustainable textile industry. By reducing reliance on physical resources and cutting down on waste, we aim to streamline the entire supply chain. This is just the beginning. We believe that by fully embracing digitalization, the fashion and textile industry can emerge as a leader in sustainability. Our hope is that more companies will adopt similar practices, and together, we can make a significant impact on reducing the industry’s ecological footprint.

Carmen Keim, Color Management at Sympatex, emphasizes, “The Digital Fabric Library not only enhances our efficiency but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices. It represents a pivotal step toward a greener future for the textile industry.”

6. Explore the Digital Fabric Library

If you’re interested in discovering the Digital Fabric Library, you can scan the QR code below to get started.

For a more detailed understanding of how to navigate and utilize the library, please refer to our manual here: PDF

7. About DMIx and Sympatex

The DMIx platform, developed by ColorDigital GmbH, provides cutting-edge digital tools for collaboration across the textile industry. By leveraging these tools, Sympatex offers its brand partners seamless access to digital fabric libraries, 3D material representations, and advanced color management. This digital shift not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability by reducing the reliance on physical samples and minimizing environmental impact.

Table of contents