Woolridge, A. C., Ward, G. D., Phillips, P. S., Collins, M. and Gandy , S. (2006) Life cycle assessment for reuse/recycling of donated waste textiles compared to use of virgin material: an UK energy saving perspective. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 46(1), pp. 94-103. 0921-3449.
- Information
Information
Abstract:
In the UK, between 4 and 5% of the municipal solid waste stream is composed of clothes/textiles. Approximately 25% of this is recycled by companies such as the Salvation Army Trading Company Limited (SATCOL) who provide a collection and distribution infrastructure for ‘donated’ clothing and shoes. Textiles can be reused or undergo a processing stage and enter a recycling stream. Research was conducted in order to quantify the energy used by a reuse/recycling operation and whether this resulted in a net energy benefit. The energy footprint was quantified using a streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA), an LCA restricted in scope in order to target specific aspects of the footprint, in this case energy consumption. Taking into account extraction of resources, manufacture of materials, electricity generation, clothing collection, processing and distribution and final disposal of wastes it was demonstrated that for every kilogram of virgin cotton displaced by second hand clothing approximately 65 kWh is saved, and for every kilogram of polyester around 90 kWh is saved. Therefore, the reuse and recycling of the donated clothing results in a reduction in the environmental burden compared to purchasing new clothing made from virgin materials.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Lifecycle, life cycle, life-cycle, reuse, recycling, textiles
Subjects:
Creators:
Woolridge, A. C., Ward, G. D., Phillips, P. S., Collins, M. and Gandy , S.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Research into Sustainable Wastes Management
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Science and Technology (2010-2016)
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Research Centres > Environment Research Group
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Science and Technology (2010-2016)
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Research Centres > Environment Research Group
Date:
January 2006
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 94-103
Journal or Publication Title:
Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume:
46
Number:
1
Language:
English
DOI:
ISSN:
0921-3449
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
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