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

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.

Automated summary

This research analyzes the environmental impact of six fibers in the textile industry, focusing on their agriculture, spinning, weaving, and dyeing stages. The study finds significant differences among these fibers in terms of fossil resource scarcity, global warming, land use, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and water consumption. Silk has the most significant impact in most categories during yarn preparation and spinning, while conventional cotton shows significant impacts in weaving and dyeing. The study contributes to existing LCA research in the textile industry and provides valuable insights for sustainable fashion supply chain management.