Climate impact from the various phases of clothing’s life cycle


Photographer: Sandra Roos

The chart shows climate impact generated by Swedes during the various phases of the clothing life cycle. A similar pattern applies to the rest of Europe and the United States. Production accounts for 70 percent. Distribution of the clothes until they reach consumers accounts for only 4 percent – even though the clothes are mainly made in countries far away from Sweden. Consumer shopping trips account for a full 22 percent. Washing and drying accounts for only 3 percent, and waste management does not contribute to climate impact since the disposed garments go to energy recovery. Clothing purchases by Swedes produce the fourth largest share of all carbon emissions for the country - after transport, food and housing.

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