Denim, particularly in the form of blue jeans, stands as the most widely sold textile product globally. Its appeal spans various geographic locations, social classes, and age demographics. The production process is designed for mass manufacturing, enabling it to satisfy this extensive global demand. Consequently, the environmental footprint associated with the production of denim and blue jeans is considerable. Enhancements at each stage of the production process can lead to notable reductions in environmental impact and cost savings for the industry.
When evaluating the environmental effects of denim or blue jeans production, it’s essential to adopt a comprehensive perspective that considers all activities involved in creating the product, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and disposal. A commonly used method for this assessment is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is recognized internationally through standards like ISO 14040 and 14044. LCA consists of four main phases:
- Goal and scope definition
- Inventory analysis
- Impact assessment
- Interpretation
The initial phase is crucial for setting the parameters of the LCA, determining whether the analysis covers all stages of production, distribution, and usage from ‘cradle to grave,’ including how consumers utilize and dispose of the finished products. Inventory analysis encompasses aspects such as energy consumption, raw material requirements, emissions (to air, water, and land), and waste generated during the production of both raw materials and finished goods. The life cycle impact assessment examines the potential environmental consequences of a product throughout its lifespan, while the interpretation phase highlights the most significant impacts and suggests areas for improvement.