Sustainability and Social Responsibility

What's the Real Environmental Impact of Your Wardrobe? A Life Cycle Assessment Approach

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze and quantify six commonly used fibers in the textile and apparel industry by comparing their potential environmental impacts created at each stage of the supply chain. The six fibers analyzed in this study include 100% conventional cotton, 100% organic cotton, 100% polyester, 100% jute, 100% flax, and 100% silk. This study employed a life cycle assessment methodology with a cradle-to-gate system boundary and analyzed the stages of agriculture, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. The results of this study provide stakeholders with a deeper understanding of LCA research in the textile and apparel context, assisting them in identifying more sustainable fibers. Additionally, the findings can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing textile and apparel products, facilitating the transition towards more sustainable fashion supply chains. 

Keywords: life cycle assessment, environmental impacts, textile, sustainability

How to Cite:

Lou, X., Gonzalez, V. & Chi, T., (2024) “What's the Real Environmental Impact of Your Wardrobe? A Life Cycle Assessment Approach”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17423