To briefly contextualize our methodology, at BCome we carry out “cradle-to-gate” LCAs of products. Cradle-to-gate analyses exclude the use and the end-of-life, two stages in which biodegradability and the release of microplastics are usually considered. Also, no LCA impact indicators reflect the negative effects of microplastics released while washing synthetic garments. Thus, the advantages or disadvantages of the biodegradability of fibers are not visible in BCome LCA. However, the LCA allows us to see the impacts of synthetic fibers in terms of global warming (in kg CO2 eq.) and abiotic depletion of fossil fuels (in MJ) compared to natural fibers. Two key impacts that should not be left out when comparing natural vs. synthetic fibers.
To complement then the LCA results and to reflect the benefits of biodegradability of final products (these analyses are not available for materials), BCome proposes:
- The Circular Economy Indicators (CEI), based on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation methodology. The CEI includes parameters on the end-of-life thus reflecting the use of biodegradable fibers vs. synthetic ones.
- The AGEC law indicators, based on the French legislation. This law requires to display information on microplastics released during washing, based on the percentage of synthetic fiber content.