General FAQs on footprint

tex.tracer collects footprint data using the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) method, a widely accepted approach to assessing the environmental impact of textile materials, processes, and end products. While the method evaluates 17 impact categories covering damage to ecosystems, depletion of natural resources, and human health, tex.tracer focuses on four key areas: Global Warming (measured in kg CO2 equivalents), Water Use, Land Use, and Fossil Resource Depletion (energy consumption). By concentrating on these categories, tex.tracer ensures accurate and scientifically undisputed data collection.

Primary data refers to directly collected information from the supply chain regarding a specific product. For a sweater made from a blend of recycled and virgin fibres, primary data includes:

This data forms the basis of a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI), which is essential for performing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

tex.tracer accounts for both electrical and thermal energy in production processes. While knitting machinery primarily uses electrical energy, dyeing and finishing processes still rely heavily on thermal energy. Energy derived from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, significantly reduces environmental impact. tex.tracer encourages suppliers to track and disclose energy sources used in production to provide a more accurate footprint analysis.

Embroidery is considered a processing step, whereas buttons and zippers are included in the overall product weight rather than calculated separately. While this introduces a minor margin of error, the overall impact remains minimal due to the relatively low weight of these components.

There is currently no standardised textile impact benchmark due to limited industry-wide data. tex.tracer enables partners to collect and authenticate footprint data through geo-location and timestamps. Verification occurs when supporting documents are uploaded and when LCA partners analyse that the submitted values fall within a reasonable range before proceeding with calculations.

Once a client requests footprint data, it appears on the footprint page under the "Provide Data" tab. Users must fill in footprint data for each order line individually. It is recommended to follow this sequence:

Each step is interconnected, ensuring that data entered in the previous stage carries over to the next. Following this structured approach ensures a seamless and accurate data submission process.