Investigation of the Carbon Footprint of the Textile Industry: PES- and PP-Based Products with Monte Carlo Uncertainty Analysis

Abstract

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism was developed to ensure that industrial sectors operating outside the EU follow the same environmental standards and targets while competing with the EU’s carbon market. This mechanism aims to calculate the carbon footprint of goods and services imported into the EU and make carbon adjustments accordingly. The transition phase, starting in 2023, represents the period when the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be implemented. The completion of the transition phase is targeted for 2025. By this date, the effective implementation of this mechanism is aimed at demonstrating that countries outside of the EU comply with emissions regulations using Carbon at Border certificates. The textile industry’s products have a significant environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from the production of raw materials to the disposal of the finished product. Textile production, especially synthetic yarns, requires large amounts of energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In this study, a “cradle-to-customer plus waste” life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of two products in the textile sector. The Monte Carlo analysis method can be used to handle uncertainties in LCA calculations. It is a method for modeling uncertainties and statistically evaluating results. In this study, this method is preferred at the stage of determining uncertainties. The processes from chips to yarns are investigated for two synthetic yarns: polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP). The carbon emissions of PP and PES used in textiles are calculated for the first time in this study using detailed modeling with LCAs and a real application. The main production operations are considered: (i) transport of raw materials and packaging material, (ii) energy consumption during the production process, (iii) transport of products, and (iv) end-of-life steps. When the actual data obtained from a company are analyzed, the carbon footprints (CFs) of the PES and PP are calculated to be 13.40 t CO2-eq (t PES)-1 and 6.42 t CO2-eq (t PP)-1, respectively. These data can be used as reference points for future studies and comparisons. According to the results obtained, when the energy consumption and raw material stages in the production of the PES and PP products are compared, it is seen that the CF of PP yarn is lower, and it is more environmentally friendly. These findings can be utilized to enhance government policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing synthetic yarn production in Türkiye. Since PP and PES raw materials are predominantly used in synthetic yarns, this study’s objective is to quantify the carbon emissions associated with the utilization of these raw materials and provide guidance to companies engaged in their production.