COMPREHENSIVE LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT: THE CASE OF 100% COTTON BED SHEET

Abstract

Wastes generated during the production of textile products and the interaction of products with the environment throughout their life cycle significantly contribute to environmental pollution. In this study, the negative impacts during the production and usage stages of a 100% cotton single bed sheet were assessed through a field study conducted in Gaziantep and Bursa provinces. The study evaluated environmental impacts over a production and 7-year usage period, considering relevant impact categories identified through life cycle analysis. It was determined that water use and dye-based pollutants have significant effects, ranging from toxicity to global warming. Especially in the categories of aquatic ecotoxicity, eutrophication, global warming, and respirable organics, it has been observed that the use-based impact is higher and directly negatively affects the environment and public health. Accordingly, it was determined that the environmental impact of the product in the use phase is higher than in the production phase. Finishing and dyeing stages were determined to be the main processes in the formation of pollution, and various suggestions were made to reduce various negative impacts to protect the environment and public health, especially in the treatment of wastewater, and the reduction of water consumption.

Keywords

• Cotton Bed Sheet
• LCA
• SimaPro
• Textile Industry

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