Environmental consequences of using flame-retardant textiles—a simple life cycle analytical model

Abstract

This paper extends earlier work which explored the possibility of undertaking a life cycle analysis of flame-retardant cotton and polyester textiles and consequently enabled semi-quantitative estimations of their relative environmental impacts to be made. This model is extended to undertake full environmental audits of a range of flame-retardant textiles and requires full consideration of each stage from fibre/raw material production to eventual disposal. The need for comprehensive data at all stages, however, demonstrates that comparisons between competing products are neither simple nor, at present, possible. Thus an environmental rank value is given to each stage in the manufacturing process and product life of each flame retardant fibre and derived textile. Summation of rank values enables an overall environmental index to be defined which may be used to compare the environmental impact of each generic type of currently available flame retardant, single fibre-containing textile. The results show that each of the eleven generic fibres analysed yield environmental index values within a range 32–51% where 100% denotes the worst environmental position possible. This relatively low range of values suggests that current production and processes which attempt to maximize economic viability also tend to reduce environmental impact. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.