AI-Informed Upcycled Textile Products: Consumer Perceptions of Sustainability and Market Readiness

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-informed textile upcycling strengthens sustainable product innovation by enhancing commercial readiness while preserving the environmental value of reclaimed materials. This qualitative descriptive inquiry examined consumer perceptions of AI-informed upcycled household products developed from secondhand (ukay-ukay) textiles and explored their commercial viability and sustainable innovation potential. Twelve (12) purposively selected product evaluators assessed an upcycled tote bag and a weather-protective hat through semi-structured interviews, with the data analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that consumer acceptance was principally influenced by functionality, durability, affordability, aesthetic quality, and climatic adaptability, while market readiness depended on continuous product refinement, branding, and consumer-oriented design. Participants further perceived AI as a complementary mechanism for design optimization, material enhancement, and consumer preference analysis rather than a substitute for human craftsmanship. Collectively, the findings indicate that integrating AI with sustainable craftsmanship reinforces consumer confidence, market acceptance, and environmentally responsible entrepreneurship.