Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Garments through Industrially Scalable Closed-Loop Recycling: Life Cycle Assessment of a Recycled Wool Blend Sweater

Wool recycling has been practiced commercially for more than 200 years. This study used data from established, commercial processes with the aim of determining environmental impacts a recycled wool blend garment and contribution to reducing on market sweaters, in comparison other emission reduction approaches relating use. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment showed 0.05 kg CO2-e, 0.63 MJ, 0.58 L H2O-e 0.95 per wear sweater climate change, fossil energy demand, water stress freshwater consumption, respectively. Impacts predominantly arose manufacturing consumer practices (retail care). When was maintained best practice use care, were reduced by 66–90% relative standard maintenance virgin pure sweater. Increasing closed-loop rate 50% had potential reduce 7–24%, depending impact category. Brands consumers hold key increasing rates via increased donation garments adoption containing wool.