Environmental improvements and sustainability analysis in the Peruvian textile industry: Comparative assessment of finished fabric production using ISO 14040 and SimaPro

Hurtado Arriola A.A.; García Arias C.; Gayoso Crisoles G.R.; Luque Valero P.J.; Justiniano Céspedes L.; Jiménez Borges R.; Castillo Alvarez Y. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/leird2025.1.1.769

Resumen

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is a scientific tool that allows for the improvement of production processes, including those in the textile industry, with the aim of identifying opportunities to reduce the environmental impacts associated with this industry. The entire process was modeled using Sima Pro and primary data from the Peruvian textile company, covering everything from the receipt of the yarn to the final finish, with the functional unit being the production of 1 kg of finished fabric. The results identify the acquisition and use of cotton yarn as the main environmental determinant, responsible for approximately 73% of the global warming potential (14.35 kg CO2 eq/kg) and more than 70% of the impact on human toxicity and land use. Dyeing represents the second source of impact, mainly in water consumption and effluent generation. The comparative analysis between conventional and organic cotton shows that the transition to organic raw materials reduces global warming by 29.6%, human carcinogenic toxicity by 37% and water consumption by more than 50%. However, organic cotton requires 7% more land and generates a 15% increase in freshwater eutrophication, highlighting environmental trade-offs linked to lower yields and higher demand for organic fertilizers. Simulation of a scenario with photovoltaic energy integration showed that an additional 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved compared to the conventional system. Economically, the cost of spinning organic cotton is 21% higher, representing a challenge in terms of competitiveness. This study demonstrates that the application of LCA is essential for identifying critical points, guiding innovation, and moving toward a more sustainable Peruvian textile industry capable of reducing its environmental footprint and responding to international sustainability demands. © LEIRD 2025.All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas