The world of technology is changing faster than ever, and it already plays a significant role in our sustainable future—but 2022 is going to be its biggest year yet.
From advancements in lab-grown meat to using blockchain technology to make supply chains more efficient, technology just might be the answer to a lot of the issues our planet faces. We break down the four biggest technology trends that will be shaping 2022.
1. Battery Advancements
Lithium is the new oil. Electric-vehicle makers are all in and the manufacturers are planning to make up for lost ground from the production delays from the pandemic. Everyone is racing to secure the supplies of lithium batteries. The prices are soaring but this added focus is also forcing lithium miners to clean up their acts.
Investors and consumers alike simply won’t support unsustainable practices anymore. In the quest for a more sustainable future an electric car isn’t enough. Technology is at the forefront of helping lithium step up its game.
On the note of batteries, there is also an issue with recycling but Tesla has made leaps towards a solution. Tesla’s newest iteration of its battery is now designed to “outlast the vehicle itself.” The battery factories are also now equipped with an “in-house, closed-loop recycling system that will ensure 100% of Tesla batteries received are recycled and up to 92% of their raw metals reused.”
2. Lab-to-Table
While farm-to-table still prevails, the new frontier is lab-to-table. Through the pandemic we saw supply-chain crisis and astronomical price increases in sustainable food sources so now more than ever, people are turning to innovations happening in the lab.
Plant-based food company, Wamame, has made a breakthrough in its Wagyu beef and researchers at the University of Guelph have discovered how to make a stretchy, oozier vegan mozzarella cheese. Companies across the world are taking advantage of the incredible advances made in yeast, algae, and other microbes to create lab-grown foods that remove animals from the supply chain.
3. Blockchain
Speaking of supply chain issues, blockchain technology is swooping in to help us change the nature of how we do business. The distributed ledger technologies are helping companies manage their assets more efficiently and increase company organization. Supply chain transparency is leading the way in blockchain advancements as it helps businesses run better and keep consumers informed.
Where blockchain will really soar in sustainability is providing more details for sustainability reporting. Through more detailed reporting, companies will be able to track its carbon footprint more closely and see a full scope of the business’s actions allowing it to reduce emissions and transform its supply chain.
4. Metaverse
With the rapid rise of the Metaverse many people in fashion are wondering if it will be key in helping the fashion industry tackle its sustainability issues—and it is proving that just might be the case. Clothing is a key component of the Metaverse, freeing consumers from the real-world restrictions of fashion and allowing consumers to embrace unique styles more than ever before.
With consumers able to express themselves, without adding literal items to their wardrobe it is positioned to help the global consumption problem get under control.
Imagine being able to buy a Gucci sweater and show it off in the digital realm but not being responsible for the environmental impact that a traditional outfit would have.
Luxury brands are already realizing its potential.
Louis Vuitton has released ‘Louis The Game’ NFT in celebration of the French house’s founder’s 200th anniversary and Burberry recently has its first NFT collection with Blankos Block Party.
As we continue to live more of our lives online, our real-world outfits may continue to decrease as our virtual closets become full.