Ep 6. AI for Zero Waste Fabric, Sustainability and Traceability in Textile Factories with Gilberto Loureiro
02/16/24 • 70 min
On this episode of the 'No Ordinary Cloth' podcast, we welcome Gilberto Loureiro, the co-founder and CEO of Smartex, an innovative startup leveraging AI and machine learning to transform the textile industry and modernise it's factories.
Gilberto draws upon his life experiences, growing up in a family where everyone worked in the textile business and witnessing the substantial wastage and outdated practices in factories. This became his motivation to set up Smartex - a company building an eco-system of solutions to bring textile factories into the 21st century, eliminate waste, and enhance traceability and sustainability. They are truly revolutionising and shaping the future of textile factories.
He talks about the challenges faced by startups and shares lots of valuable resources and advice for others who might be building a startup. He highlights the importance of mentors, being humble and enjoying the work that you do to be successful.
Furthermore, Gilberto elaborates on the sector's future, identifying technology, shorter orders, increased automation, and reduced human dependence as primary factors leading the charge. Our discussion unpacks the enormous potential AI and machine learning hold for not just improving efficiencies but also for combating the significant sustainability issues within the textile industry.
Connect with Mili Tharakan
Insta: @noordinarycloth
Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash
Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
On this episode of the 'No Ordinary Cloth' podcast, we welcome Gilberto Loureiro, the co-founder and CEO of Smartex, an innovative startup leveraging AI and machine learning to transform the textile industry and modernise it's factories.
Gilberto draws upon his life experiences, growing up in a family where everyone worked in the textile business and witnessing the substantial wastage and outdated practices in factories. This became his motivation to set up Smartex - a company building an eco-system of solutions to bring textile factories into the 21st century, eliminate waste, and enhance traceability and sustainability. They are truly revolutionising and shaping the future of textile factories.
He talks about the challenges faced by startups and shares lots of valuable resources and advice for others who might be building a startup. He highlights the importance of mentors, being humble and enjoying the work that you do to be successful.
Furthermore, Gilberto elaborates on the sector's future, identifying technology, shorter orders, increased automation, and reduced human dependence as primary factors leading the charge. Our discussion unpacks the enormous potential AI and machine learning hold for not just improving efficiencies but also for combating the significant sustainability issues within the textile industry.
Connect with Mili Tharakan
Insta: @noordinarycloth
Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash
Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
Previous Episode
Ep 5. Indigo-Dyed Fabric Migration and Thinking Through Making with Mika Satomi
In this episode of The No Ordinary Cloth Podcast, we hear from Mika Satomi - an exceptional artist and maker whose artistic approach transcends mediums. She skilfully blends traditional and modern, digital and manual techniques and materials to convey powerful narratives. She is as proficient in weaving and crocheting as she is in programming and electronics and so many other techniques. Here she shares about her approach to learning new skills and deepening her existing ones.
She is known as a pioneer in the E-textiles community and most people would know her through Kobakant - How to get what you want - a resource for e-textile materials and techniques, that she and Hannah Perner-Wilson built. But Today, Mika joins us to discuss her latest project, Indigo Hyphae, a reflection on the topic of human migration. She explores traditional Japanese katazome techniques along with indigo dyeing techniques, going totally analogue this time, marking a shift from her usual e-textiles work.
Mika shares about her experience of teaching at art universities, her collaboration with Hannah Perner-Wilson, and their project Kobakant. She also touches on the role and responsibility we have as makers and the impact it has on the world. This discussion will leave you contemplative of your own practise and skills.
Join us as we explore the journey of this pioneering, deeply creative and thought provoking artist.
Mika Satomi's works
Zeug Farberai - Indigo dyeing studio
Kobakant - How to get what you want
Connect with Mili Tharakan
Insta: @noordinarycloth
Time stamp of episode:
- 00:19 Getting to Know Mika Satomi
- 05:17 Introduction to the Indigo Hyphae Project
- 07:31 The Concept and Inspiration Behind Indigo Hyphae
- 10:05 The Process and Techniques of Indigo Hyphae
- 20:26 Reflections on Craftsmanship and Skill Acquisition
- 34:43 Exploring E-Textiles
- 36:05 The Impact of Collaboration and Kobakant
- 43:40 The Responsibility of Designers
- 48:17 The Impact of Teaching on Personal Growth
- 01:02:14 Reflections on the Interview
Next Episode
Ep.7 ⭐️ Fashion District Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge 2024
Welcome to this special mini episode of the No Ordinary Cloth podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of textiles and fashion and the innovative minds shaping its future. Today, we're spotlighting the Manufacturing Futures 2024 - Innovation Challenge, a pivotal event for UK-based startups and SMEs in the fashion industry.
There is some exciting news to share, do listen in to the end of the episode.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
Details about the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge 2024 competition and what the winner can expect as prize money and support
You will also get some insights from the judges themselves - what is important to them, what they are looking for in the applications, tips. This will give you hopefully help prepare your application.
Jen Keane from Modern Synthesis, winners of a previous Manufacturing Futures competition, will be sharing about her startup that makes biomaterials and about their collaborating with GANNI to develop the Bou bag using nano cellulose materials made by bacteria.
This episode not only highlights the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge but also serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and the importance of community in shaping the future of fashion. Whether you're directly involved in the fashion industry or simply passionate about innovation and sustainability, this challenge represents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.
Manufacturing Futures 2024 - find out all the details about the challenge here
Instagram: @fd_ldn
Twitter/X: @fd_ldn
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/fdldn
Link to survey - would deeply appreciate your feedback, it will only take a couple of minutes
Connect with Mili Tharakan
Instagram: @noordinarycloth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/
Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash
Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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