Comparing results with bAwear Advanced: Key considerations for accurate environmental impact assessments

In an era where sustainability and environmental consciousness are at the forefront of consumer and industry priorities, accurately assessing the environmental impact of textile products is crucial. One powerful tool for this purpose is bAwear Advanced, which helps organizations evaluate and compare the environmental footprints of various textile products. However, ensuring accurate comparisons requires a deep understanding of the factors that influence environmental impact calculations. Here, we'll explore some key considerations when using bAwear Advanced for such comparisons.

Understanding the methodology used in bAwear calculations

bAwear score is a combination of your input (primary data) and standard values (secondary data) in the predefined product scenario selected. As a result, the impact is calculated considering all essential stages in the textile supply chain, from cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave. The foundation of any credible environmental impact assessment is the methodology used. At bAwear, we employ the ReCiPe 2016 mid-point method for environmental impact calculations.

Deciphering legislative implications: The Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEF-CR) are currently under construction and not formalised, therefore there is no solution which can be PEF-CR compliant. As soon as there is clarity and consensus, we will adapt our methodology accordingly. Of course, we will have the option to use the PEF-database in our calculations as soon as this database is available.

Key Point: Always ensure that the comparisons you make between two environmental impact reports are based on the same methodology. A different methodology will lead to a different outcome. Recipe calculates 17 impact categories; Aware - water scarcity?- only 1 and CED only the energy demand. Also boundary conditions of your calculation have to be the same!

With respect to bAwear Advanced: Ensuring consistency in data entry

Consistency is paramount when inputting data into bAwear Advanced. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Product scenarios: Always select the same predefined product scenario or category for both items being compared. This ensures that background data is consistent, leading to more credible comparisons.

Example: When comparing materials, keep all other variables constant. For instance, if you want to compare cotton from India with cotton from Africa, do not alter the primary input in the use-phase. Each unique comparison requires a new calculation to maintain accuracy.

Similarly, If you're comparing the impact of using renewable energy, change only the renewable energy input while keeping all other variables constant. This focused approach ensures that the observed differences are due to the variable of interest.

Importance of complete data entry

For more accurate comparisons, it's essential to enter all primary data consistently. One of the strong points of bAwear Advanced is that you get impact data per supply chain step. If you leave a data field blank in one scenario, do the same in the comparison scenario. Otherwise, the system defaults to worst-case data for blank entries; you would be comparing your primary data with the worst-case data.

Example: If the fabric construction data is not entered for one product, the tool will assume the highest possible energy impact for the missing data. This leads to an inaccurate comparison, as one product is being judged against potentially exaggerated figures. However, this will not be a problem if you would like to compare your product to the worst-case.

Interpreting results correctly

• Weight-based comparison: The results of environmental impact assessments are reported per kilogram of textile product. It's crucial to understand the implications of this unit of measurement.
• Transportation impacts: The results account for the entire supply chain's transportation steps. Comparing the overall distance and its environmental impact provides insights into logistics optimization.

Conclusion

By adhering to these guidelines and ensuring meticulous attention to detail, you can achieve accurate and reliable comparisons using bAwear Advanced. Consistency in methodology, data entry, and result interpretation is key to credible and valid environmental impact assessments. As you work towards more sustainable textile production, these practices will support informed decision-making and foster transparency in environmental responsibility.