How does BCome’s methodology account for the benefits of biodegradable fibers?
Our standard Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) doesn’t directly measure biodegradability, but we use two additional, powerful indicators to ensure its benefits are fully recognized and rewarded.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how our comprehensive approach works.
The role of our life cycle assessment (LCA)
First, it’s important to understand what our primary LCA covers. We conduct a “cradle-to-gate” LCA, which measures a product’s environmental footprint from its raw materials (the ‘cradle’) up to the moment it leaves the factory (the ‘gate’).
Because biodegradability and microplastic release happen after a product is sold—during consumer use and at its end-of-life—they fall outside the scope of this specific analysis.
However, our LCA is still essential for comparing fibers. It effectively highlights the negative impacts of synthetics in other critical areas, such as their higher global warming potential (in kg CO₂ eq.) and abiotic depletion (in MJ).
Our holistic approach: beyond the standard LCA
To provide a complete 360-degree view of a product’s impact, we complement the LCA with indicators that specifically analyze the use and end-of-life phases.
- Circular Economy Indicators (CEI) ♻️ Based on the renowned Ellen MacArthur Foundation methodology, our CEI evaluates a product’s entire lifecycle, including its end-of-life. This is where biodegradability shines. The CEI positively scores materials designed to safely return to the biosphere, directly reflecting the environmental benefit of using biodegradable fibers over synthetics that persist for centuries.
- AGEC Law Indicators 🇫🇷 To address pollution that occurs during a product’s use, we incorporate indicators based on France’s influential AGEC law. This framework specifically flags the release of plastic microfibers during washing. By calculating and displaying this risk based on a garment’s synthetic content, it clearly highlights the advantage of natural, biodegradable fibers that do not shed harmful microplastics.
The Complete Picture
In summary, no single tool tells the whole story. By strategically combining the focused analysis of a cradle-to-gate LCA with our comprehensive Circular Economy and AGEC indicators, BCome provides a holistic assessment that accurately captures the crucial benefits of biodegradability and exposes the hidden environmental costs of synthetic fibers.