Customer: The Federal Environment Ministry and the Otto Group
Objective: To create transparency over CO2 emissions throughout the life cycle of textiles and to identify suitable spheres of activity for climate protection measures

Research:
Consumption data were recorded on-site along the value chain. The high proportion of this primary data provided a clear picture of CO2 hotspots in the supply chain. At the same time, data were gathered on logistical processes and internal processes such as warehousing. Data gaps (e.g. in relation to emissions during cotton cultivation or the utilisation phase) were filled by means of research for example conducted on household washing behaviour.

Result:
The preparation and analysis of primary data resulted in a detailed balance sheet of CO2 emissions for textiles. The balance sheet forms the basis for other measures by the Otto Group aimed at reducing climate-damaging emissions in the upstream stages of the value chain. Furthermore, the research project served to gather information about how the CO2 balance sheet is used in practice. Different survey approaches were tested in the production locations. The findings on the application of the balance sheet standard and the accuracy of a carbon footprint for products then entered the discussions on methodology.