Environmental Sustainability in the Fashion Industry: A Case Study on the Application of the OLCA Methodology

This thesis investigates the state of environmental sustainability of the fashion industry, focusing on the assessment of corporate practices and the implementation of methodologies such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Organizational Life Cycle Assessment (OLCA). With the fashion industry being one of the most resource-intensive and polluting sectors globally, this study aims to highlight its significant environmental impacts and propose strategies for improvement. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, examining global and regional policies, industry practices, and sustainability certifications. The research delves into the negative environmental effects of the fashion industry, including high water consumption, chemical pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. Specific attention is given to the rapid growth of fast fashion and its detrimental impact on environmental sustainability. Using the OLCA methodology, a case study of an apparel manufacturing organization in Italy has been presented. The study evaluates the environmental performance of the company over a one-year period, utilizing the SimaPro LCA tool and the Ecoinvent database. The analysis includes a detailed inventory of inputs and outputs, covering direct and indirect activities, and assesses the environmental impacts of said organization across multiple impact categories such as global warming, freshwater eutrophication, and ecotoxicity. The results underscore the critical areas where the fashion industry must focus its sustainability efforts, particularly in the production and processing stages. Recommendations are provided for reducing environmental footprints through improved resource efficiency, adoption of renewable energy sources, and implementation of robust environmental management systems. The thesis also addresses the challenges of greenwashing and emphasizes the importance of transparent and accurate sustainability reporting. This thesis thus aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development in the fashion industry, providing valuable insights and practical solutions for enhancing environmental performance and achieving long-term sustainability goals.