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Evaluating Environmental Impact of Natural and Synthetic Fibers: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Victoria Gonzalez

    (Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA)

  • Xingqiu Lou

    (Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA)

  • Ting Chi

    (Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA)

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the environmental impact of six fibers in the textile industry: conventional and organic cotton, silk, jute, flax, and polyester. The study used a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology with a cradle-to-gate system boundary and analyzed the stages of agriculture, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. In agriculture production, five impact categories (i.e., fossil resource scarcity, global warming, land use, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and water consumption) have the most significant differences across these fibers. Polyester production significantly impacted the terrestrial ecotoxicity impact category, while stratospheric ozone depletion had a minor impact. In yarn preparation and spinning, silk has the most significant impact in most categories, followed by conventional cotton, while jute had the most minimal impact. In weaving, the most visible differences were in fossil resource scarcity, global warming, land use, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and water consumption. Conventional cotton dyeing showed significant impacts on global warming potential and terrestrial ecotoxicity. This study contributes to the limited literature on existing LCA research in the textile industry. Adding updated information will help increase the comprehension of LCA research and guide stakeholders in transitioning fashion supply chains more sustainably.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7670-:d:1141177
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Silvia Mara Bortoloto Damasceno Barcelos & Rodrigo Salvador & Maria da Graça Guedes & Antonio Carlos de Francisco, 2020. "Opportunities for Improving the Environmental Profile of Silk Cocoon Production under Brazilian Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-21, April.
    2. Mrill Ingram, 2002. "Producing the natural fiber naturally: Technological change and the US organic cotton industry," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 19(4), pages 325-336, December.
    3. Yelin Deng & Yajun Tian, 2015. "Assessing the Environmental Impact of Flax Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite from a Consequential Life Cycle Assessment Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(9), pages 1-22, August.
    4. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. Isabella Bianco & Alice De Bona & Mariachiara Zanetti & Deborah Panepinto, 2023. "Environmental Impacts in the Textile Sector: A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study of a Woolen Undershirt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Ting Chi & Victoria Gonzalez & Justin Janke & Mya Phan & Weronika Wojdyla, 2023. "Unveiling the Soaring Trend of Fashion Rental Services: A U.S. Consumer Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-21, September.

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