Mid Sweden University

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact and technical performance of wool mix fabrics, to inform decisions regarding fabric production and market introduction, considering both environmental impacts and performance. The study includes a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that evaluates production, highlighting the contribution to CO2 emissions, water consumption and resource use. The durability of the fabrics is also assessed through seven tests which are: water resistance, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, pilling, drying rate, water vapour perme ability and specimen breakdown. The findings emphasize the importance of wool yarn production and transportationas the main environmental burden throughout the system while elastane yarn and the transportation of wool tops impact the lowest. Fabric made of virgin fibre has higher technical performance than ones with recycled fibres except for water vapour perme ability and specimen breakdown.