Life Cycle Based Comparison of Textile Ecolabels

Abstract

Environmental impacts of textile production increased over the last decades. This also led to an increasing demand for sustainable textiles and ecolabels, which intend to provide information on environmental aspects of textiles for the consumer. The goal of the paper is to assess selected labels with regard to their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their coverage of relevant environmental aspects over the life cycle of textiles. We applied a characterization scheme to analyse seven selected labels (Blue Angel Textiles, bluesign®, Cotton made in Africa (CMiA), Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), VAUDE Green Shape), and compared their focus to the environmental hotpots identified in the product environmental footprint case study of t-shirts. Most labels focus on the environmental aspects toxicity, water use, and air emissions predominantly in the upstream life cycle phases of textiles (mainly garment production), whereas some relevant impacts and life cycle phases like water in textile use phase remain neglected. We found significant differences between the ecolabels, and none of them cover all relevant aspects and impacts over the life cycle. Consumers need to be aware of these limitations when making purchase decisions.

A Review of Sustainability Standards and Ecolabeling in the Textile Industry

“…The main issues with ecolabeling include deceptive or false claims, as well as protectionism and unfair competition, as well as a lack of standards or strictness in the ecolabeling process or processes [61]. Ecolabeling educates the customer, separates the product from the target market, implies sustainability for the producer or seller, and alters or elevates the perception of the product along the whole supply chain [62].…”

“…Ecolabeling educates the customer, separates the product from the target market, implies sustainability for the producer or seller, and alters or elevates the perception of the product along the whole supply chain [62]. While a global, transparent ecolabeling system encourages markets, regional ecolabeling can restrict market access and lessen global competitiveness [61,63]. Ecolabeling can also be used to construct market-based trade barriers.…”

Applications of MCDM methods for the assessment of sustainable development: a case study of fashion textile group

“…With the increasing awareness of consumers during the pandemic period, it has become inevitable to contribute to a sustainable future in the textile sector (Toks€ oz et al, 2022). A recent study shows that 72% of consumers worldwide prefer to buy from eco-friendly brands (Diekel et al, 2021). As a result, various practices such as sustainability standards, labels and certificates have emerged for companies to certify that they are making environmentally friendly production (EFP) (Diekel et al, 2021).…”

“…A recent study shows that 72% of consumers worldwide prefer to buy from eco-friendly brands (Diekel et al ., 2021). As a result, various practices such as sustainability standards, labels and certificates have emerged for companies to certify that they are making environmentally friendly production (EFP) (Diekel et al ., 2021). EFP is a critical issue motivated by the concern of increasing environmental deterioration.…”

Case Study on Developing a Comprehensive Voluntary Environmental Performance and Process Standard for Alpine Resorts Using Four Business Management Principles

“…For retail departments, P7 initiatives involve apparel and footwear manufacturers who bypass 24 toxins identified by the Zero Discharge of D6 Mountain Research and Development https://doi.org/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-20-00078.1MountainDevelopmentHazardous Chemicals Foundation, including per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (''forever chemicals'') conventionally used for durable water repellants such as Gore-Tex and used in many ski waxes(Carlson and Tupper 2020). Apparel certified to Blue Angel, Bluesign, Cradle-to-Cradle Silverþ, Global Organic Textile Standard, and Oeko-Tex should be preferred for both employee uniforms and retail sales because of low life cycle impacts(Diekel et al 2021). In terms of ''using consistent methodologies to allow for meaningful performance tracking,'' the Climate Challenge allows resorts to set their own absolute reduction targets without consistent and meaningful minimum percentage requirements (such as 7% year over year from EU Paris-Aligned Benchmarks).…”