Sustainable Fashion And Product Design Research Center

1.Introduction

The Sustainable Fashion and Product Design Research Center (SFPDRC) is a pioneering initiative under Bahir Dar University’s Apparel Faculty, envisioned to serve as a hub for innovation, research, and collaboration in sustainable fashion and product design. Rooted in Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and driven by global sustainability imperatives, the center aims to bridge academia, industry, and community to foster transformative change in the fashion ecosystem.

SFPDRC will focus on integrating environmentally responsible practices, circular design principles, and indigenous knowledge systems into fashion education, research, and production. It will also serve as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, international exchange, and policy advocacy.

2. Objectives

The core objectives of SFPDRC include:

¨ Research & Innovation: Conduct cutting-edge research in sustainable materials, eco-friendly production methods, and circular fashion systems.

¨ Curriculum Development: Integrate sustainability and product design into academic programs, enhancing relevance and global competitiveness.

¨ Industry Collaboration: Partner with local and international fashion enterprises, artisans, and manufacturers to co-develop sustainable products.

¨ Global Engagement: Attract international students and researchers through joint programs, exchange initiatives, and collaborative projects.

¨ Cultural Preservation: Promote Ethiopian textile traditions and craftsmanship through modern, sustainable design frameworks.

¨ Advocacy & Policy: Influence national and regional policies on sustainable fashion, labor rights, and environmental standards.

3. Expected Outcomes and Implications

The establishment of SFPDRC will yield the following outcomes:

Academic Impact

· Development of new undergraduate and postgraduate programs in sustainable fashion and product design.

· Enhanced research output and publication in international journals.

· Increased student engagement through hands-on projects, competitions, and exhibitions.

Industrial Impact

·Creation of sustainable product lines in collaboration with local manufacturers.

·Improved quality and marketability of Ethiopian fashion products.

·Strengthened university–industry linkage and technology transfer.

Social Impact

·Empowerment of women and youth through training and employment in sustainable fashion.

·Preservation and revitalization of indigenous textile knowledge.

·Promotion of ethical labor practices and inclusive design.

Environmental Impact

·Reduction of waste and carbon footprint in fashion production.

·Adoption of circular economy principles in design and manufacturing.

·Development of biodegradable and locally sourced materials.

4.Significance at National and International Levels

National Contribution

·Supports Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy.

·Enhances the competitiveness of the Ethiopian fashion and leather sectors.

·Strengthens the creative economy and cultural tourism through sustainable fashion.

·Builds capacity for local designers, artisans, and SMEs.

International Contribution 🌍

·Positions Bahir Dar University as a regional leader in sustainable fashion education.

·Facilitates cross-cultural academic exchange and joint research.

· Contributes to global sustainability goals (SDGs), especially SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

· Offers a model for integrating African heritage into global fashion sustainability discourse.

5. Strategic Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Foundation (Year 1)

·Infrastructure setup, staffing, and curriculum integration

·Stakeholder mapping and partnership development

Phase 2: Activation (Year 2–3)

· Launch of pilot research projects and student labs

· Hosting national conferences and fashion sustainability forums

Phase 3: Expansion (Year 4–5)

·International collaborations and joint degree programs

·Commercialization of sustainable product lines

Key Achievements

·Successfully hosted the 1st National Conference on Sustainable Fashion (SF) on March 22, 2025, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and international partners.