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A Spatial Water Footprint Assessment of Recycled Cotton T-Shirts: Case of Local Impacts in Selected China Provinces

Author

Listed:
  • Shuang Chen

    (School of Fashion Design & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Fangli Chen

    (School of Fashion Design & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Lisha Zhu

    (College of Textile Science and Engineering (International Institute of Silk), Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Qizheng Li

    (College of Textile Science and Engineering (International Institute of Silk), Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Xiaopeng Wang

    (Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Green and Low-Carbon Technology and Industrialization of Modern Logistics, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center, Wenzhou 325100, China)

  • Laili Wang

    (School of Fashion Design & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Green and Low-Carbon Technology and Industrialization of Modern Logistics, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center, Wenzhou 325100, China
    Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center of Advanced Textile Technology, Shaoxing 312000, China)

Abstract

In global trade, the manufacture and consumption of cotton textile products are intervening in the hydrological cycle. To address the relationship between the product system and the unsustainable use of local water resources, a spatial water footprint assessment is needed. This study presents a spatial water footprint method that was demonstrated in the case of domestically produced cotton T-shirts in three recycle scenarios. The results showed that the water scarcity footprint of conventional T-shirt, eco T-shirt, recycled T-shirt is 2.45 H 2 O eq, 1.74 H 2 O eq, 8 × 10 −2 H 2 O eq, respectively, and the water-eutrophication footprint of conventional T-shirt, eco T-shirt, recycled T-shirt is 1.18 × 10 −2 PDF·m 2 ·yr −1 , 9.47 × 10 −3 PDF·m 2 ·yr −1 , 4.04 × 10 −3 PDF·m 2 ·yr −1 , respectively. Two interesting results have been found. Firstly, the hydrosphere has been affected by manufacture and consumption; thus any choice made by manufacturers and consumers may lead to an impact on the water resource in a region that is far from the location. Secondly, the effect of water footprint reduction will be more apparent in places with severe water stress. The spatial water footprint offers a transparent result of each phase’s potential contribution to the local environment and could make a quantitative comparison between product stages, products, and local impacts. Thus, spatial water footprint will be a critical component in the sustainability management improvement of the supply chain.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuang Chen & Fangli Chen & Lisha Zhu & Qizheng Li & Xiaopeng Wang & Laili Wang, 2023. "A Spatial Water Footprint Assessment of Recycled Cotton T-Shirts: Case of Local Impacts in Selected China Provinces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:817-:d:1022957
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Esteve-Turrillas, F.A. & de la Guardia, M., 2017. "Environmental impact of Recover cotton in textile industry," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 107-115.
    2. Baydar, G. & Ciliz, N. & Mammadov, A., 2015. "Life cycle assessment of cotton textile products in Turkey," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 104(PA), pages 213-223.
    3. Chapagain, A.K. & Hoekstra, A.Y., 2007. "The water footprint of coffee and tea consumption in the Netherlands," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 64(1), pages 109-118, October.
    4. Chapagain, A.K. & Hoekstra, A.Y. & Savenije, H.H.G. & Gautam, R., 2006. "The water footprint of cotton consumption: An assessment of the impact of worldwide consumption of cotton products on the water resources in the cotton producing countries," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(1), pages 186-203, November.
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