Students’ perceptions of zero waste innovation in contemporary kain jarik and sarong design as a means of preserving ethnic fashion

Abstract

The global fashion industry faces significant sustainability challenges due to the high volume of textile waste. Zero waste design emerges as a solution by creating garments that minimize fabric remnants. In the Indonesian context, the implementation of this concept becomes particularly relevant when integrated with traditional ethnic clothing, such as kain jarik and sarong, which hold high cultural value but are increasingly underutilized in the modern era. This innovation is expected to simultaneously reduce waste and preserve cultural heritage. This study aims to analyze understanding, application, challenges, attitudes and perceptions, the linkage with the preservation of ethnic clothing, as well as student feedback on zero waste practices. A quantitative approach with an experimental design was employed, involving 20 Fashion Education students at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and training documentation, then analyzed descriptively. The findings indicate that students demonstrated a good understanding of zero waste, although technical skills in pattern optimization require further improvement. The application of this principle is perceived as efficient, environmentally friendly, and relevant to the preservation of ethnic clothing, with the main challenges being resource limitations and the need for advanced skills. Students expressed highly positive attitudes, viewing zero waste as both a future trend and a medium for safeguarding cultural identity. The training proved effective in enhancing students’ understanding, motivation, and commitment to implementing sustainable design. This study supports the achievement of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).