A comprehensive review of greenwashing in the textile industry (life cycle assessment, life cycle cost, and eco-labeling)

Kosar Mousavi, Elaheh Kowsari (), Seeram Ramakrishna (), Amutha Chinnappan and Mohammad Gheibi
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Kosar Mousavi: Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic)
Elaheh Kowsari: Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic)
Seeram Ramakrishna: National University of Singapore
Amutha Chinnappan: National University of Singapore
Mohammad Gheibi: Technical University of Liberec

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2025, vol. 27, issue 9, No 58, 21737-21777

Abstract: Abstract This study explores the phenomenon of greenwashing, where companies and industries mislead consumers and shareholders by presenting a positive environmental image that is not supported by their actions. The textile industry, known for its significant contribution to environmental pollution, is the focus of this research. The investigation begins by defining greenwashing and discussing its classification, causes, and consequences. They then examine the laws and standards in the textile industry, which aim to reduce pollution and environmental impact. The investigation further delves into specific topics related to the textile industry, such as fast fashion, the circular economy, and sustainability. It delves into the examination of life cycle assessment (LCA) and the utilization of the ReCiPe approach for assessing the ecological footprint of textile materials. The findings reveal that the use phase and manufacturing have the most significant environmental impacts. The study also discusses the Rescorla–Wagner learning algorithm in the context of life cycle cost (LCC) simulation. The simulation results unequivocally illustrate that the implementation of eco-labeling practices across various textile industries can yield remarkable improvements in environmental sustainability, surpassing the 90% mark. Furthermore, the environmental impact assessment underscores that the most significant environmental impacts are primarily concentrated in the usage and manufacturing phases, thus emphasizing the critical importance of enacting strategic policies in these domains.

Keywords: Greenwashing; Circular economy; Life cycle assessment; Eco-labeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-024-04508-6

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