TY - THES

T1 - Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Cotton T-Shirt Production

T2 - Conventional Global vs. Fully Automated Manufacturing in Europe

AU - Scherer, Andrea

N1 - no embargo

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - This thesis provides a detailed analysis of the current fashion production processes, emphasizing the potential shift from semi-automated to fully automated garment manufacturing and its environmental, but also economic implications. The research starts with an exploration of the fashion industry¿s evolution, underscoring the persistent reliance on outdated production methods and the substantial ecological footprint generated by extensive supply chains and manufacturing in low-wage countries. Utilizing Life Cycle Assessment methodologies, supported by UMBERTO software and the ecoinvent database, this study compares the environmental impacts of a conventional global semi-automated production process with those of a European fully automated process incorporating robotic sewing technology. The findings suggest that full automation, when combined with reshoring production closer to the point of sale, can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of a cotton T-shirt's life cycle. This reduction is achieved through decreased transportation emissions and more efficient resource utilization, such as a 15% decrease of current overproduction. Economically, the research explores the viability of investing in automation and relocating production to high-wage countries. Although the initial investment costs for automation are substantial, the study indicates that these could be offset by long-term savings in operational costs, enhanced production efficiency, and reduced dependency on a globalized supply chain. The study also examines the social implications of fully automated production, such as potential job displacement and the need for workforce retraining in high-wage countries, to mitigate the negative social impacts associated with automation. Additionally, the legal implications and regulatory requirements are critically assessed, particularly in light of new European Union directives, such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and other sustainability regulations. These legal frameworks are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of garment production, mandating greater transparency and sustainability. In conclusion, while the shift to fully automated garment production presents both challenges and opportunities, it has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry by reducing environmental impact, enhancing economic efficiency, and meeting regulatory demands.

AB - This thesis provides a detailed analysis of the current fashion production processes, emphasizing the potential shift from semi-automated to fully automated garment manufacturing and its environmental, but also economic implications. The research starts with an exploration of the fashion industry¿s evolution, underscoring the persistent reliance on outdated production methods and the substantial ecological footprint generated by extensive supply chains and manufacturing in low-wage countries. Utilizing Life Cycle Assessment methodologies, supported by UMBERTO software and the ecoinvent database, this study compares the environmental impacts of a conventional global semi-automated production process with those of a European fully automated process incorporating robotic sewing technology. The findings suggest that full automation, when combined with reshoring production closer to the point of sale, can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of a cotton T-shirt's life cycle. This reduction is achieved through decreased transportation emissions and more efficient resource utilization, such as a 15% decrease of current overproduction. Economically, the research explores the viability of investing in automation and relocating production to high-wage countries. Although the initial investment costs for automation are substantial, the study indicates that these could be offset by long-term savings in operational costs, enhanced production efficiency, and reduced dependency on a globalized supply chain. The study also examines the social implications of fully automated production, such as potential job displacement and the need for workforce retraining in high-wage countries, to mitigate the negative social impacts associated with automation. Additionally, the legal implications and regulatory requirements are critically assessed, particularly in light of new European Union directives, such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and other sustainability regulations. These legal frameworks are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of garment production, mandating greater transparency and sustainability. In conclusion, while the shift to fully automated garment production presents both challenges and opportunities, it has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry by reducing environmental impact, enhancing economic efficiency, and meeting regulatory demands.

KW - Lebenszyklusanalyse

KW - Mode

KW - Produktion

KW - Automatisierung

KW - Investitionsrechnung

KW - Produktion

KW - Mode

KW - Life Cycle Assessment

KW - Sustainability

KW - Automation

U2 - 10.34901/mul.pub.2024.231

DO - 10.34901/mul.pub.2024.231

M3 - Master's Thesis

ER -