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Why and how should I declare articles and materials weights?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is based on a quantified inventory of inputs and outputs of the product system. Among other things, the inventory inputs include the amount of materials used to produce the final product. Based on the weight declared, we will be able to define the resources used and impact generated per each of the components and therefore calculate the total impact of the product.

The LCA methodology and related environmental impacts of the product are inherently related to the product weight. The greater the product weight, the greater will be the impact and inversely. This is why Cotton sheets (up to 2,5 kg) will necessarily be more impactful than a Cotton T-shirt (around 200 g).

Also, the material component with the greatest share within the article will most likely be the highest contributor to the final article’s impact.

To declare the article weights in the Traceability form, take a weighing scale and measure each article in kg! If you are not able to declare the weights of the materials within the article, make an estimation of the potential share of each component, based on your knowledge of your materials’ density. Example: The main fabric of my article should represent 80% of the total weight of the product.