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Life Cycle Assessment of the Life Cycle of a Commercial White Cotton T-Shirt in Germany

The aim of the study is the life cycle-based eco-balance assessment of a commercially available white cotton T-shirt, which is worn, washed and disposed of in Germany. The focus is primarily on the environmental effects of the use phase, which are calculated exclusively on the basis of the laundry care procedures. The wearing of the T-shirt and possible environmental effects (e.g. loss of fibres) resulting from it are not covered by the studies.

The results of this study are:

  • A balance sheet on the production, use and care, and disposal of commercially available white cotton T-shirts in Germany.
  • A selection of quantified environmental impacts of the individual life cycle phases.

The evaluation of the results takes place at the level of defined life cycle phases, whereby the environmental effects of the production and disposal are compared with those of various laundry care processes in the private household. The structure and implementation of this study follow the international standards for life cycle assessment ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.

Scope: 83 pages
Reference: free of charge for download (PDF file)