| Abstract [eng] |
The textile sector is one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally impactful industries, therefore increasing attention is being paid to the application of circular economy principles and the implementation of digital solutions. One of the most promising tools is considered to be the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which enables the collection, management, and transfer of product-related information throughout the entire product life cycle. This thesis examines the possibilities of applying the Digital Product Passport within the workwear value chain from life cycle and circularity perspectives. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate the possibilities of application the Digital Product Passport in the workwear value chain by integrating life cycle assessment and circularity evaluation principles. The research included a scientific literature review, evaluation of the workwear value chain, life cycle assessment (LCA), and interpretation of circularity indicators. The practical research was based on a workwear example – uniform work trousers manufactured by a Lithuanian sewing company. The research results showed that the total climate change impact of the analysed product amounts to 101.49 kg CO₂ ekv. per product. The largest share of the impact was identified in the use and maintenance stage – 74.9 kg CO₂ ekv. or 73.8 % of the total impact. The study also revealed that washing and drying processes, as well as energy and water consumption, have a significant influence on environmental impact indicators. The raw material production stage accounts for 16.5 %, while the transportation stage represents 8.1 % of the total environmental impact. The circularity assessment, carried out using the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) methodology, showed that the circularity coefficient of the analysed product is 0.43 , indicating a moderate level of circularity. It was determined that the main factors limiting circularity are the mixed material composition, complex component separation, and limited recycling possibilities. The study revealed that the DPP can become an effective tool for systematically collecting information about product composition, environmental impact, the use phase, repair possibilities, and end-of-life scenarios. The presented data organisation model demonstrated how life cycle and circularity information can be integrated into a unified digital system that increases supply chain transparency, traceability, and opportunities for data-driven decision-making in the workwear sector. |
