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Legacy Datasets and Their Impacts: Analysing Ecoinvent’s Influence on Wool and Polyester LCA Outcomes
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This study reveals that widely used ecoinvent v3.7 life cycle assessment datasets systematically underestimated polyester's environmental impact while overestimating wool's, due to aggregated and outdated data, demonstrating that these inaccuracies have skewed fiber certifications, eco-labeling, and consumer perceptions for years.
Accurate and transparent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) datasets are essential for reliable sustainability evaluations, particularly in the complex and varied textile industry. Historically, the ecoinvent database has been a foundational source for LCA studies in the textile sector. This paper critically examines the limitations of the ecoinvent v3.7 dataset, which is widely used in academic research, industry tools, and policymaking. While newer versions, such as v3.11, released in 2024, have addressed many issues, including enhanced geographical representation and updated emission profiles for chemicals, this study emphasises the historical implications of earlier data versions. By comparing the cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential (GWP) of wool and polyester jumpers, this research reveals how aggregated and outdated data underestimated the polyester’s environmental impact while overestimating that of wool. These discrepancies have shaped fibre certification, eco-labelling, and consumer perceptions for years. Understanding the legacy of these datasets is vital for re-evaluating past LCA-based decisions and guiding future assessments toward greater regional relevance and transparency.
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A bibliometric analysis of life cycle assessment research in the textile industry identified three main research clusters covering sustainability, waste management, and direct environmental impacts including microplastic pollution. The study found that while interest in sustainable textile practices is growing, research specifically combining LCA with the textile industry remains limited.
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