LCA methodology for assessing the impacts of microfibers on marine ecosystem quality and application in a case study of activewear

In the proposed project, the intern will do a thorough environmental assessment of different activewear textiles. The methodology used is called life cycle assessment, and allows quantifying various environmental impacts (e.g. climate change, water use, impacts of toxic chemicals) among the entire supply chain (resource extraction, textile and cloth production, transportation, retail, consumer use of activewear and disposal). To date, life cycle assessment does not include a methodology for assessing the potential impacts of microfibers released during textile use and washing. Therefore, the first step of the internship will be to develop a methodology for quantifying environmental impacts from microfibers. Once the novel methodology is integrated into life cycle assessment, the next step will be to perform a thorough environmental assessment of different activewear fabrics chosen by the company Moov Activewear. Finally, the environmental assessment will help Moov activewear to guide their fabric design in a way that environmental impacts are minimized.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anne-Marie Boulay

Student:

Partner:

Moov Activewear

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: