Life cycle assessment and eco-design of smart textiles: The importance of material selection demonstrated through e-textile product redesign

Smart textiles have progressed well beyond the laboratory stage. A growing community of smart textile designers utilises engineered materials and advanced manufacturing technologies to create marketable products. To implement an environmentally conscious way of product innovation, the environmental impact of such products needs to be taken into account already at the early design-stages. A life-cycle perspective on the consequences of design choices can guide the implementation of eco-design measures. However, not much literature is available thus far to empower designers in making sustainable design decisions. To meet this need, this article presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a wearable smart textile device for ambulant medical therapy. The case study focuses on material selection, since this aspect is one of the most relevant choices at the prototyping stage. The eco-cost approach was used to compare the LCA-results of the original prototype design against various eco-redesign options. The results suggest several priority areas for environmental improvement. One possibility is the replacement of silver based conductive yarns by copper based alternatives. Another finding suggests the use of acryl instead of wool. The case study results are the starting point for further discussion on the role of designers with respect to responsible eco-design.