LCA of bed sheets – some relevant parameters for lifetime assessment

The short life span of textiles is a major sustainability issue in the current industrial system. However, the manufacturing of a more durable textile product requires the introduction of additional processes and/or the use of different materials and processes. The aim of this study was to analyse the respective influences of manufacturing and lifetime on the environmental impact of the product. For this purpose, the life cycles of 8 bed-sheets representing various features, easy-care treatment, raw material, quality, were analysed. Life cycle assessment was applied to assess the potential environmental impacts and resources used throughout the product's life cycle, accounting for different manufacturing, use and discarding decisions. This study showed how manufacturing conditions influence the environmental assessment of a textile such as a bed-sheet. It was demonstrated that assigning a specific lifetime to the corresponding manufacturing processes is essential because the manufacturing conditions determine the textile product quality. Two different disposal decisions were also considered to further comprehend the effects of consumer behaviour. Depending on the consumer decisional process, the LCIA results and the underlying analysis varied greatly. ► Influence of manufacturing processes. ► Use phase versus manufacturing phase. ► Consumer behaviour.