Life Cycle Assessment of a Polo-Shirt for Influencing the Circular Textile Value Chain

Polo shirt manufacturing processes in Bangladesh as shown by the life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates that the apparel industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation in terms of carbon emission, water consumption, land use, eutrophication, and energy consumption. The paper has analyzed three factories, including Factory A (traditional manufacturing), Factory B (50/50 recycled-virgin cotton blend) and Factory C (integration of 20% rooftop solar) in order to determine the effect of different production practices. The largest environmental footprint was factory A that utilizes a majority of virgin cotton and grid power and whose processes generate carbon emission of 9.3 kg CO2-eq per polo shirt and consumes 2.8 m3 of water. The factory with a 50/50 ratio of recycled and virgin cotton (factory B) proved to be reducing carbon emissions by 23 percent, and saving enough water to highlight the environmental advantages of the recycled materials. The introduction of renewable energy as a part of Factory C, which incorporated 20 percent solar energy, saved 14 percent carbon emissions, which is why the beneficial effect of integrating renewable energy is clearly beneficial. The main conclusions are that the use of recycled cotton and the alternative energy sources (rooftop solar, etc.) can significantly reduce environmental pollution in the textile industry. Analysis also includes the rising nature of sustainability practices following the informative pressure of regulation more so in markets with strict environmental regulations. Recommendations to promote the transformation of the industry are more recycled fiber, an investment in renewable energy, and maximization of production processes. Through these measures, the apparel manufacturers can be in line with the global circular economy concepts, lessen the environmental footprint and increase adherence to the new regulations.