Life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to evaluate the environmental impacts of textile products, from raw material extraction, through fibre processing, textile manufacture, distribution and use, to disposal or recycling. LCA is an important tool for the research and development process, product and process design, and labelling of textiles and clothing. Handbook of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Textiles and Clothing systematically covers the LCA process with comprehensive examples and case studies.

Part one of the book covers key indicators and processes in LCA, from carbon and ecological footprints to disposal, re-use and recycling. Part two then discusses a broad range of LCA applications in the textiles and clothing industry.

• Covers the LCA process and its key indicators, including carbon and ecological footprints, disposal, re-use and recycling
• Examines the key developments of LCA in the textile and clothing industries
• Provides a wide range of case studies and examples of LCA applications in the textile and clothing industries

Part 1 Key indicators and processes in LCA 1. Carbon footprints in the textiles industry 2. Energy footprints in the textiles industry 3. Ecological footprints in the textiles industry 4. Measuring the reusability of textile products 5. Environmental impacts of the use phase of the clothing life cycle 6. Open and closed loop recycling of textile products 7. Life cycle assessment and certification of textiles and clothing 8. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) methods for textiles and clothing
Part 2 Applications of LCA in the textiles industry 9. LCA of cotton textiles and clothing 10. LCA of woolen textiles and clothing 11. LCA of silk textiles and clothing 12. Comparative LCA of natural and synthetic textiles 13. LCA of Cotton Shopping bags 14. LCA of fibre-reinforced composites 15. Life cycle assessment and the environmental and social labels in textile and clothing industry 16. Clothing disposal phase: Environmental benefits of reuse and recycling