Ecological performance of Lenzing Modal Color fabrics vs. conventionally dyed fabrics

摘要

Textile wet processing such as dyeing adds value to the apparel, but has the potential to cause significant environmental and human health impacts. Fabrics made from Lenzing Modal Color fibers (spun-dyed fibers by Lenzing AG, Lenzing/Austria) can reduce these impacts significantly. Here, the environmental performance of spun-dyed Lenzing black modal fabrics will be shown versus conventionally dyed black modal fabrics made in Austria. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted, from the production of wood to the stage of dyed and finished fabric. The overall production of spun-dyed Lenzing Modal Color fabric has 50% lower energy use, 60% lower carbon footprint, requires only 50% of water and has significantly lower (40-60%) environmental impacts compared to conventionally dyed fabric. Just considering the wet processing stages, cumulative energy use and carbon footprint is around 80% lower, and water use is 64% lower. This improved environmental performance of spun-dyed fabric can contribute to business value creation such as significantly reducing production costs forvalue chain actors, helps reducing the environmental footprint of end products, enhances reputation of brands and retailers, and can contribute to mitigating global problems such as climate change and resource scarcity while catering to the rising demand for clothing fuelled by ever growing world population.