Cotton textiles and the environment: Life cycle assessment of a bathrobe

Abstract

Although textile sector is one of the biggest consumer intensive sector, recycling and reclamation practices in this sector are not satisfactory. In this study, "cradle to grave" Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis is carried out for a textile product (i.e., the bathrobe). The life cycle stages of the product are explained in detail including the waste potential, energy usage and envrionmental effects of each stage. Findings of the study present that cotton fiber, which is the most commonly consumed natural fiber, is not so environmentaly friendly fiber as opposed to the expactations. Growing, manufacturing, consumer usage, and recovery stages of a 100% cotton bathrobe may cause some environmental effects. Study shows that recycling of waste generated by the production processes of a bathrobe is somewhat common; yet it cannot be said the same thing about the after use textiles.