Sample: Innovation Outlook: Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)
-By Otis Robinson, Madelaine Thomas, Ruby Penson, Cara Dudgeon
This Special Edition of the Innovation Outlook is somewhat different in structure to those that have gone before. In this issue, we evaluate life cycle assessment tools.
The need for this appraisal comes amid controversy surrounding LCAs in the industry – particularly as the demand for sustainable accountability increases. Mainstream media has been awash with criticism for LCAs and reports of greenwashing in recent years. This year in particular, we have seen the likes of H&M, suspend its use of product labelling tool, The Higg Materials Sustainability Index, amid the backlash – and others have followed suit. The industry is left therefore, looking for guidance in this minefield.
Insights are drastically needed when it comes to sustainability and more environmental practices and management. However, as a tangible, scientific and measured approach, LCAS – when utilised correctly – can provide the answers brands, retailers, manufacturers and indeed consumers are looking for.
Are LCAs the problem or is the way they are interpreted? Do they actually work in terms of assessing sustainability and providing accurate measurements and intelligence? What products are available? What can we do with this data once we have it? We will seek to answer these questions and more in this Innovation Outlook.
Have your own opinion? Feel free to contact us mthomas@wtin.com.
This marks the final Innovation Outlook for 2022, next year we look forward to bringing you an update to our Fibres & Yarns Special Edition and much more. In the meantime, visit www.wtin.com for more innovation within the textile & apparel industry.
