Page 80 - AJWEP-v22i3

Hossain and Rahman

in developing nations such as Bangladesh. The the full life cycle impacts and tracking progress in
1,2
literature reviewed in several studies underscores the production efficiency and waste management practices
need for environmental LCA frameworks, such as depends on this thorough evaluation approach. 16
those described in the ISO 14040/44 standards, to offer Adopting the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) life cycle
standardized, transparent, and repeatable assessments. impact assessment (LCIA) technique marks a major
3
These frameworks, under the cradle-to-grave approach, methodological breakthrough in LCA research. This
17
enable a thorough evaluation spanning the entire life technique provides a systematic means of assessing
cycle – from the procurement of raw materials and environmental effects in several domains, including:
manufacturing process through consumption to end-of- • Climate change (global warming potential):
life treatment. By defining system boundaries, assigning Calculates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
functional units, and choosing suitable effect categories, throughout the life cycle, revealing how different
the ISO 14040/44 standards provide a structured processes contribute to global warming; it evaluates
foundation for environmental LCAs. This systematic emissions that support acid deposition, compromise
4,5
methodology ensures consistency and comparability soil quality, and influence terrestrial ecosystems. 18,19
across various studies and industrial sectors. Within • Terrestrial acidification: Assesses emissions that
denim manufacturing, the ISO standards have been contribute to acid deposition, impairing soil quality,
exceptionally helpful in identifying environmental and affecting terrestrial ecosystems. 20
hotspots in both traditional and environmentally friendly • Eutrophication potential assessment: Evaluates the
production techniques. Many studies have used these potential of nutrient runoff to trigger excessive algal
6,7
criteria to pinpoint critical phases of denim manufacture growth in aquatic environments, thereby disrupting
where improved chemical management, water usage, ecosystems. 21
and energy consumption could result in an appreciable • Water use: Measures water consumption – especially
reduction in environmental burden. 8,9 important in areas facing water shortage. 22
Typical environmentally intensive phases in • Land use: Evaluates the environmental impact of
traditional denim manufacturing include cotton farming, land transformation, such as that required for raw
chemical-intensive dying – often with indigo – multiple materials manufacturing. 23
wash cycles with water, and mechanical treatments. • Fossil resource scarcity (FRS): Assesses the
These operations are associated with excessive water and depletion of non-renewable energy resources,
energy consumption and substantial pollution outputs. especially pertinent in energy-intensive operations. 24
10
On the other hand, environment-friendly denim • Human toxicity potential (HTP): Examines the
manufacturing employs cutting-edge technologies potential adverse effects on human health due to the
and eco-friendly practices aimed at mitigating these industrial use of harmful substances. 25
detrimental effects. Innovations such as waterless Bangladesh offers a unique case study that compares
dyeing methods, enzyme-based treatments, and digital traditional and eco-friendly denim manufacturing
finishing techniques reduce resource inputs and limit techniques, given the prominence of denim production
hazardous emissions. Several studies have consistently in its textile industry. Driven by economic needs
shown that these approaches significantly reduce the and evolving regulatory frameworks, the sector
environmental impact of denim manufacturing. 11-13 has historically relied on traditional manufacturing
The cradle-to-grave scope of these assessments, techniques, resulting in substantial resource consumption
capturing the total environmental impacts from raw and significant environmental damage. 26,27 However,
material extraction to end-of-life disposal, is vital. recent initiatives in eco-friendly manufacturing have
14
In the context of denim manufacturing, a cradle-to- introduced innovative technologies and methods
grave strategy emphasizes that the advantages of eco- aimed at lowering water and energy use, minimizing
friendly production extend beyond the manufacturing chemical emissions, and promoting sustainable waste
stage to encompass product use and post-consumption management. Nevertheless, these developments also
management. For example, while environment-friendly highlight the need for further investigations to address
technologies may significantly lower water and energy operational, financial, and technical obstacles associated
consumption during manufacturing, these advantages with scaling up green technologies within existing
could be negated if downstream operations, such as manufacturing systems.
inadequate waste management or limited recycling, Adopting a comprehensive, cradle-to-grave LCA
are not concurrently optimized. Accurately capturing approach – supported by the rigor of the ISO 14040/44
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Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 74 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.6241