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Legacy Datasets and Their Impacts: Analysing Ecoinvent’s Influence on Wool and Polyester LCA Outcomes

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  • Mitali Nautiyal

    (School of Art & Design, Auckland University of Technology, 27 Saint Paul Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Donna Cleveland

    (School of Communication & Design, RMIT International University, 702 Nguyễn Văn Linh, Tân Phong, Hồ Chí Minh City 700000, Vietnam)

  • Amabel Hunting

    (School of Art & Design, Auckland University of Technology, 27 Saint Paul Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Amanda Smith

    (School of Art & Design, Auckland University of Technology, 27 Saint Paul Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

Abstract

Accurate and transparent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) datasets are essential for reliable sustainability evaluations, particularly in the complex and varied textile industry. Historically, the ecoinvent database has been a foundational source for LCA studies in the textile sector. This paper critically examines the limitations of the ecoinvent v3.7 dataset, which is widely used in academic research, industry tools, and policymaking. While newer versions, such as v3.11, released in 2024, have addressed many issues, including enhanced geographical representation and updated emission profiles for chemicals, this study emphasises the historical implications of earlier data versions. By comparing the cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential (GWP) of wool and polyester jumpers, this research reveals how aggregated and outdated data underestimated the polyester’s environmental impact while overestimating that of wool. These discrepancies have shaped fibre certification, eco-labelling, and consumer perceptions for years. Understanding the legacy of these datasets is vital for re-evaluating past LCA-based decisions and guiding future assessments toward greater regional relevance and transparency.

Suggested Citation

  • Mitali Nautiyal & Donna Cleveland & Amabel Hunting & Amanda Smith, 2025. "Legacy Datasets and Their Impacts: Analysing Ecoinvent’s Influence on Wool and Polyester LCA Outcomes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6513-:d:1702827
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tone Smith & Maria Ehrnström-Fuentes & Sophia E. Hagolani-Albov & Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Tone Skårdal Tobiasson, 2022. "Rethinking the (Wool) Economy," Springer Books, in: Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Tone Skårdal Tobiasson (ed.), Local, Slow and Sustainable Fashion, chapter 0, pages 133-170, Springer.
    2. Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Kirsi Laitala & Stephen Wiedemann, 2020. "Clothing Lifespans: What Should Be Measured and How," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-21, August.
    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. Pablo L. Peri & Yamina M. Rosas & Brenton Ladd & Ricardo Díaz-Delgado & Guillermo Martínez Pastur, 2020. "Carbon Footprint of Lamb and Wool Production at Farm Gate and the Regional Scale in Southern Patagonia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-26, April.
    5. Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Kirsi Laitala & Vilde Haugrønning & Anna Schytte Sigaard & Tone Skårdal Tobiasson, 2022. "The Fate of Natural Fibres in Environmental Evaluations: A Question of Volume," Springer Books, in: Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Tone Skårdal Tobiasson (ed.), Local, Slow and Sustainable Fashion, chapter 0, pages 35-59, Springer.
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