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Systematic Insights into a Textile Industry: Reviewing Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-Design

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  • Ana Fonseca

    (Associação CECOLAB—Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2. Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal)

  • Edgar Ramalho

    (Associação CECOLAB—Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2. Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal)

  • Ana Gouveia

    (Associação CECOLAB—Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2. Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal)

  • Rita Henriques

    (Associação CECOLAB—Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2. Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal)

  • Filipa Figueiredo

    (Associação CECOLAB—Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2. Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal
    Associação BLC3—Campus de Tecnologia e Inovação, Centre Bio R&D Unit, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal)

  • João Nunes

    (Associação CECOLAB—Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2. Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal
    Associação BLC3—Campus de Tecnologia e Inovação, Centre Bio R&D Unit, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, nº. 2, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal)

Abstract

The worldwide textile sector is one of the most polluting and consuming natural resource value chains. In recent years, trends have demonstrated a linear model driven by fast fashion, increasing the sustainability problems of this sector. The European market and industry are changing the paradigm and promoting some actions towards a sustainable value chain. This paper applies a systematic approach to reviewing scientific research, where Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is implemented as a tool to understand the impacts considering a holistic life cycle framework, from raw materials to the end-of-life of textile products. The methodology and criteria applied resulted in 73 articles used for qualitative analysis, of which 39 met the criteria for quantitative analysis. The quantitative results reported in the studies were organized and presented by phase of the garment production life cycle (production of fiber, yarn, fabric, manufacturing, and recovery/end of life). From a cradle-to-gate perspective, wool yarn production, by worsted processing, was the material with the highest values (95.70 kg CO 2 eq/kg) for climate change/global warming potential, closely followed by silk fabric (80.90 kg CO 2 eq/kg). Extending to a cradle-to-grave boundary, polyester had the highest values for the previously mentioned category, reaching a potential release of 40.28 kg CO 2 eq per kilogram of polyester textile. When data was available, the user phase predominantly contributed to climate change/global warming potential. Additionally, there were significant differences in maximum and minimum values for some of the materials, which were related to methodological considerations, database inventory, and frequency of use and care considered by the different authors. The study also addresses the considerations and limitations of diverse LCA impact assessment tools.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Fonseca & Edgar Ramalho & Ana Gouveia & Rita Henriques & Filipa Figueiredo & João Nunes, 2023. "Systematic Insights into a Textile Industry: Reviewing Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15267-:d:1267048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nynne Marie Bech & Morten Birkved & Fiona Charnley & Louise Laumann Kjaer & Daniela C. A. Pigosso & Michael Z. Hauschild & Tim C. McAloone & Mariale Moreno, 2019. "Evaluating the Environmental Performance of a Product/Service-System Business Model for Merino Wool Next-to-Skin Garments: The Case of Armadillo Merino ®," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-21, October.
    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. Manda, B. M. Krishna & Worrell, Ernst & Patel, Martin K., 2015. "Prospective life cycle assessment of an antibacterial T-shirt and supporting business decisions to create value," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 47-57.
    4. Victoria Gonzalez & Xingqiu Lou & Ting Chi, 2023. "Evaluating Environmental Impact of Natural and Synthetic Fibers: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, May.
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