Life cycle analysis of cotton towels: impact of domestic laundering and recommendations for extending periods between washing

Abstract

Life cycle analysis of cotton towels by Richard Blackburn and John Payne has ascertained the impact of domestic laundering on the life cycle of cotton articles. It was found that any process or treatment that could reduce the washing frequency of that product would be likely to effect a significant reduction in energy, water and chemical consumption over a given time for that product, hence providing a greener life cycle for the product; one recommendation to achieve this, by reducing washing frequency, is through the use of anti-microbial finishes such as poly(hexamethylenebiguanide).