EcoThreads

Prototyping Biodegradable E-textiles Through Thread-based Fabrication

We present EcoThreads, a sustainable e-textile prototyping approach for fabricating biodegradable functional threads. We synthesized two thread-based fabrication methods, wet spinning and thread coating, to fabricate functional threads from biomaterials or modify natural fiber to achieve conductive or interactive functionality. We built a wet spinning tool from a modified DIY syringe pump to spin biodegradable conductive threads. The conductive and interactive threads can be further integrated into textiles through weaving, knitting, embroidery, and braiding. We conducted a workshop study inviting e-textile practitioners to use the materials to fabricate e-textile swatches for transient use cases. The EcoThreads approach presents a path for individual creators to incorporate biodegradable material choices toward sustainable e-textile practices.

Keywords: sustainability, e-textiles
Project Credits: Jingwen Zhu, Lily Winagle, Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao
Publication: Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’24) PDF | DOI | Project Page
Press Kit: Download Here (License: CC by-NC-SA 4.0)

Awards

• 2024 CHI Special Recognition for Sustainable Practices Runner-Up

• 2024 Cornell University Student Sustainability Award Project of the Year

EcoThreads Design Space

Transient Applications

DIY Wet Spinning Setup

Workshop Study Participants’ Creation