Conceptual ‘Cradle to Gate’ analysis of GHG emissions from wood, agricultural plant and synthetic fibres
Riga Technical University, Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering, Institute of
Energy Systems and Environment, Azenes iela 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: valters.kazulis@rtu.lv
Abstract:
Industrialization and fossil resource use has brought unprecedented anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Use of synthetic fibre materials and unsustainable plant cultivation practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The global market share of polyester fibre (synthetic fibre made from fossil resources) exceeded the share of cotton fibre (natural fibre) for the first time in 2000 and since then polyester has remained the most popular fibre. The demand for textiles keeps increasing. In Northern Europe locally made fibres from wood, hemp and flax could substitute fossil based fibres decreasing the global GHG emissions and helping local economies to prosper. Multi-criteria analysis method TOPSIS was used to carry out a conceptual research evaluating GHG emissions from wood, agricultural plant and synthetic fibre acquisition under two scenarios: fossil fuels are used as energy sources & industrial fertilizers are used; and renewable energy sources are used & industrial fertilizers are not used. Results show that wood and plant fibres have smaller GHG emissions than synthetic fibres in both scenarios. Factors affecting emission performance are analysed.
Key words:
carbon dioxide, fibre, flax fibre, hemp fibre, multicriteria analysis, synthetic fibre, TOPSIS, wood fibre