TEKSTIL VE MUHENDIS, vol.29, no.126, pp.70-80, 2022 (Scopus)
Additional processing steps in textile manufacturing such as reprocess in finishing department have severe unforeseen
effects on sustainability. Here, we present a Life Cycle Assessment cradle-to-gate analysis of 100% cotton and 50% cotton/50%
polyester T-shirts with and without reprocess. In the assessment, the functional unit is Medium (M) size short-sleeve polo necked Tshirt. Results showed that water footprint of fibre production, the global warming and abiotic depletion potential of the manufacturing
step are the major factors that increase the environmental impacts. In 100% cotton T-shirt manufacturing, removing reprocess
decreased the acidification, eutrophication potential, and water scarcity footprint. In the raw material (chemicals) step of
cotton/polyester T-shirt production, the reprocess significantly increased the ozone layer depletion and abiotic depletion potential.
Results suggest that reducing/eliminating reprocess in finishing department could decrease the environmental impact of apparel
production by minimizing the use of chemicals, water, and energy