Design and Product Development

Developing a Zero-Waste Pattern for Healthcare Scrubs: A Case Study

---

Abstract

As the fashion industry continues its sustainability transformation, design scholars must innovate and explore solutions to integrate zero-waste design into scalable production. This study examines the development of a zero-waste pattern for healthcare scrubs using the Carrico Zero-Waste Banded Grading (CZWBG) technique. In the CZWBG technique, bands of varying sizes are strategically inserted into key seams within a ZW design to expand the pattern into a full size-run (Carrico et al., 2022). This work aligns with Carrico (2020), who emphasized the importance of integrating patternmaking and garment design simultaneously, rather than treating patternmaking as an afterthought. By providing detailed drafting strategies, this paper enhances transparency in ZWP processes and contributes to the broader adoption of sustainable design practices. While aligning with Embedded Zero-Waste Design and Jigsaw Puzzle Layouts as outlined by Kim (2025), this method refines traditional approaches by integrating a grading-friendly structure suitable for mass production.

Keywords: zero-waste, scrub, patternmaking, sustainability

How to Cite:

Rougeaux-Burnes, A., Moretz, C. A., Dragoo, S., Carrico, M., McKinney, E. & Stannard, C. R., (2025) “Developing a Zero-Waste Pattern for Healthcare Scrubs: A Case Study”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21516