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1823. Life Cycle Assessment of Different options for Mixed Industrial Textile Recycling

Invited abstract in session WB-23: Recycling, stream Circular Economy, Remanufacturing and Recycling .

Wednesday, 10:30-12:00
Room: 82 (building: 116)

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Lorena Espinoza
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
2. Andrea Espinoza
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
3. Óscar C. Vásquez
Universidad de Santiago de Chile

Abstract

The $882 billion textile trade in 2021 raises environmental concerns, emphasizing the importance of promoting a circular economy for sustainable textiles. As a result, policies must prioritize textile recycling, especially in developing countries, as well as information sharing across the value chain. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential environmental benefits of two industrial recycling processes for mixed textile residues. We conducted a life cycle assessment using the ReCiPe method at the midpoint and endpoint levels, with a focus on generating significant data availability and a broader assessment than existing literature to support decision-making related to textile residue recycling.
The results of the textile residue recycling process to obtain stripes (R1) and replace sawdust to fill pushing balls demonstrate that it would produce environmental benefits regardless of location in several midpoint categories. In terms of endpoint results, the DALY savings are primarily due to avoiding final disposal, while the savings in ecosystem impacts are generated by avoiding landfill and sawdust production. In the recycling process to obtain recycled yarn and fill (R2), endpoint results show that the DALYs of all avoided processes are 1.5 times those of all R2 recycling processes, owing primarily to the avoidance of virgin yarn production. Thus, both recycling methods are recommended.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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