Textile and Apparel Industries

Framework Development for Effective Application of Life Cycle Assessment Results in the Textile and Apparel Industry

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Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely used in the textile and apparel industry to evaluate environmental impacts across a product's value stream. However, its application is often limited by data availability, static analysis, and inconsistent communication or application of results. The purpose of this study was to develop and apply a framework for assessing the accuracy, representativeness, and impact of LCA use by industry members. A systematic literature review yielded themes including the importance of LCA study scope and proper functional unit definition, the impact of garment lifespan and care practices, and the potential for technologies such as blockchain, IoT and big data analytics to enhance data quality and real-time assessment. The framework was applied to W. L. Gore and Associates as a case study, revealing strengths in design integration and consumer communication alongsite limitations related to data availability. Overall, the framework demonstrates utility for critical evaluation of LCA application.

Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment, LCA, Sustainability, Value Stream

How to Cite:

Boisvert, R., (2025) “Framework Development for Effective Application of Life Cycle Assessment Results in the Textile and Apparel Industry”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.22052