LCA
LCA is a method for evaluating the environmental impact associated with a product's life cycle, from raw material procurement through production, transportation, use, disposal, and recycling, based on a defined scope and conditions.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Positioning
LCA is a way of evaluating environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water use, and resource consumption across the entire life cycle. It is not a certification applied to the fabric or apparel item itself, but an assessment method for comparison and improvement.
Certification systems verify compliance with requirements set for raw material origin, chemical management, process control, and similar matters. LCA, on the other hand, sets the object of evaluation, scope, and calculation method to quantify environmental impacts, so it is handled separately from whether certification has been obtained.
Scope and How to Think About the Criteria
Results vary greatly depending on how far the evaluation extends. In some cases it covers everything from raw material extraction to fabric shipment; in others it may include sewing, logistics, washing during use, disposal, and recycling.
When comparing multiple fabrics or products, it is important to align the unit that performs the same function, the processes covered, regional and power conditions, and allocation methods. Simply comparing numbers under different conditions may lead to misunderstandings.
- Evaluation purpose and target product
- Functional unit. For example, the area of fabric or one garment
- Processes covered and processes excluded
- Timing, region, and calculation conditions of the data used
- Environmental impact categories and interpretation of the calculation results
Checks for Fabric Procurement and Product Development
When procuring fabric, confirm not only whether LCA has been carried out, but also whether the scope covers from raw materials to fabric or to the product stage. Specifications that serve as the basis for the assessment, such as blend ratio, fabric weight, width, dyeing and finishing, and the share of recycled materials, also need to be confirmed.
In product planning, impact also comes from trims and accessories, sewing, transportation, care during use, collection, and disposal, in addition to the fabric itself. Do not treat the evaluation result for the fabric alone as the result for the finished product as a whole, and review the evaluation scope and comparison conditions when specifications change.
Points to Note About Labels and Certificates
When displaying statements such as "LCA conducted" or "lower environmental burden," make the evaluation target, scope, comparison target, and calculating entity clear. Even if only one specific impact category has improved, that does not necessarily mean all environmental impacts are low.
When receiving calculation results or third-party verification documents, confirm the product number and specifications, period of application, evaluation scope, calculation method, and scope of verification. Also separately confirm whether materials from business partners can be used as grounds for product labeling or external communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LCA a certification?
LCA is not a certification; it is a method for evaluating environmental impacts across the life cycle of a product or service. It is not something judged simply by whether a certification mark has been obtained; instead, the evaluation scope, assumptions, data, and calculation method are checked to interpret the results.
Can LCA results for fabric be used directly for environmental labeling of apparel?
They cannot be used directly as the result for the finished product. This is because the evaluation scope for fabric may not include sewing, trims and accessories, product transportation, washing, and so on. When labeling as a finished product, clearly state the scope and confirm the grounds that match the claim.
Are recycled materials always advantageous in LCA?
They are not always advantageous. The results change depending on the recycling process, transportation distance, power conditions, blending or processing needed to maintain quality, and the functional unit being compared. It is necessary to evaluate under the same conditions and check the overall assessment, not just specific items.
