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Review of Methodological Choices in LCA-Based Textile and Apparel Rating Tools: Key Issues and Recommendations Relating to Assessment of Fabrics Made From Natural Fibre Types

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  • K. J. Watson

    (Integrity Ag & Environment, 10511 New England Highway, Highfields QLD 4352, Australia)

  • S. G. Wiedemann

    (Integrity Ag & Environment, 10511 New England Highway, Highfields QLD 4352, Australia)

Abstract

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key tool for determining environmental impacts for textiles and apparel and is the basis for the publicly available Higg Material Sustainability Index (MSI) developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). This paper reviews and evaluates the Higg MSI with respect to rating of fabrics made from natural fibre types, with the aim of providing a constructive analysis of methodological issues identified by comparison with the International Standards and LCA guidelines. The major issues identified by the review were: (1) lack of sufficient guidance for comparative analysis and public disclosure; (2) incomplete system boundaries and the choice of functional unit; (3) the choice of attributional LCA methods and variable methods applied for handling multi-functionality; (4) use of generalised data and small datasets, without reported sensitivity or uncertainty; (5) exclusion of important impact categories, choice of LCIA methods and lack of coverage of non-LCA assessed issues; and (6) the choice of the weighting and normalisation approach. This review found that the provision of, and adherence to the appropriate standards and best practice in LCA would rectify most of these issues. To achieve the laudable aims of the Higg MSI, further development and refinement is needed to ensure robust information is provided to improve the sustainability of textiles.

Suggested Citation

  • K. J. Watson & S. G. Wiedemann, 2019. "Review of Methodological Choices in LCA-Based Textile and Apparel Rating Tools: Key Issues and Recommendations Relating to Assessment of Fabrics Made From Natural Fibre Types," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:14:p:3846-:d:248404
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Annekatrin Lehmann & Vanessa Bach & Matthias Finkbeiner, 2016. "EU Product Environmental Footprint—Mid-Term Review of the Pilot Phase," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Kirsi Laitala & Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Beverley Henry, 2018. "Does Use Matter? Comparison of Environmental Impacts of Clothing Based on Fiber Type," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-25, July.
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    1. Zoe Mellick & Alice Payne & Laurie Buys, 2021. "From Fibre to Fashion: Understanding the Value of Sustainability in Global Cotton Textile and Apparel Value Chains," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Emma Johnson & Andrius Plepys, 2021. "Product-Service Systems and Sustainability: Analysing the Environmental Impacts of Rental Clothing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-29, February.
    3. Stephen G. Wiedemann & Quan V. Nguyen & Simon J. Clarke, 2022. "Using LCA and Circularity Indicators to Measure the Sustainability of Textiles—Examples of Renewable and Non-Renewable Fibres," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Rocco Furferi & Yary Volpe & Franco Mantellassi, 2022. "Circular Economy Guidelines for the Textile Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-20, September.
    5. Kirsi Laitala & Ingun Grimstad Klepp, 2020. "What Affects Garment Lifespans? International Clothing Practices Based on a Wardrobe Survey in China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-45, November.
    6. Isabella Bianco & Raffaella Gerboni & Giuseppe Picerno & Gian Andrea Blengini, 2022. "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of MWool ® Recycled Wool Fibers," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, April.

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