UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
From fibre to finished product: Textile manufacturing is associated with a range of environmental impacts. By analysing CO₂e footprints and carrying out life cycle assessments, we create the basis for better understanding and making these impacts visible.
Reducing emissions where they matter most
More than 95% of our greenhouse gas emissions occur within our supply chain. This is why we place a particular focus on the upstream stages of our textile value chain. Together with our production partners, we aim to gradually reduce emissions across the supply chain.
Key areas of focus include increasing the use of certified materials, expanding the use of renewable energy among production partners, avoiding air freight, and promoting approaches that support recycling and a circular economy. At the same time, we continuously improve the data that underpins our greenhouse gas accounting in order to reduce emissions where they actually occur.
How we calculate the CO₂e Footprints of our products
To better understand the climate impacts of our textiles, we calculate the CO₂e footprints of our HAKRO products on an annual basis. In doing so, we consider the key stages throughout the product life cycle:
- Raw material extraction and pre-processing
- Production of yarn, fabric and garments
- Packaging
- Transportation throughout the supply chain
- Delivery to specialist retailers
- Disposal or recovery of the product and its packaging
The individual use phase is not included, as factors such as wear frequency, laundering habits and customisation processes vary considerably and cannot be calculated in a standardised manner.
Where emissions arise in the production of a t-Shirt
The graphic illustrates the CO₂e footprint of our HAKRO T-Shirt NO. 593 across its life cycle. One key finding is particularly clear: the majority of emissions are not generated by transportation, but by the processing of cotton into yarn and by energy-intensive production stages such as knitting, dyeing and garment manufacturing.
Taking a holistic view of environmental impacts
In addition to assessing the CO₂e footprint, we also examine other environmental impacts of our products. As part of our LCA pilot project, we analysed the environmental impacts of selected HAKRO textiles across the value chain for the first time. The assessment covered raw materials, processing, manufacturing, packaging and transportation up to the point of dispatch.
Alongside climate impact, additional environmental indicators were evaluated, including water consumption and land use. Using the HAKRO T-Shirt NO. 593 as an example, the graphic below presents selected results from the life cycle assessment carried out. The analysis is conducted in accordance with the internationally recognised standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. Its purpose is to increase transparency around environmental impacts, identify opportunities for improvement, and establish environmental footprint data across our entire product range.