Sustainable Fashion: A Comparative Analysis of Modal and Cotton Fabrics' Environmental Impact

Abstract:

In the era of escalating environmental consciousness, we investigate the environmental impact of modal fabric, a textile synthesized from renewable beech tree pulp, in comparison to traditional cotton in men's underwear production. This research provides an exhaustive comparative analysis of modal and cotton's lifecycle, revealing valuable insights into their sustainability profiles.

Introduction

The global textile industry faces significant environmental challenges due to resource-intensive manufacturing processes and the widespread use of non-renewable synthetic fibers. In light of these challenges, we focus on modal fabric, a semi-synthetic textile offering a promising alternative to traditional cotton.

Methodology

The study employs a lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodology, encompassing all stages of modal's and cotton's production processes, from raw material extraction to the finished product. We analyzed key parameters such as water and energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, chemical usage, and waste generation, offering a comparative analysis between modal and cotton.

Results

Our findings suggest that modal fabric's manufacturing process outperforms that of conventional cotton in terms of resource efficiency. Specifically:

- Modal production requires less water and land compared to cotton.

- The modal process generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than cotton production.

- The closed-loop production process of modal allows for recycling of process chemicals and water, reducing its environmental footprint compared to cotton's open-loop process.

Discussion

Beyond production, modal's superior durability enhances its sustainability profile compared to cotton. Its extended lifespan reduces the frequency of garment replacement, thereby mitigating the environmental impact. The additional benefits of modal, such as comfort and breathability, may lead to higher user satisfaction and a longer product lifespan than cotton garments.

At the end of its lifecycle, modal's biodegradability offers an environmental advantage over cotton. Unlike cotton garments, which can take significantly longer to decompose, modal biodegrades under appropriate conditions, reducing landfill waste and potential microplastic pollution.

Conclusion

Our study presents modal fabric as a strong contender for sustainable fashion, particularly in men's underwear production, when compared with traditional cotton. With lower resource requirements in production, superior garment lifespan, and biodegradability, modal offers a promising environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cotton. While further studies are necessary to fully understand potential trade-offs and challenges in modal production, our findings provide a robust foundation for its consideration in sustainable fashion.

This was commissioned by RunaMante, a maker of men's underwear made from high quality modal fabric.