What are the limitations of the current LCA datasets?

LCA methodology, when applied to fibers and raw materials used by the fashion, textile, and apparel industry, currently has some key limitations.

It does not capture all impact areas such as soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare, and social impacts; it can be cost-prohibitive and resource intensive; there can be significant variability across LCA studies in the scope of what is covered as well as in other assumptions that are made; system boundaries defined for LCA studies can vary within and across fiber types; and results from LCA studies can be presented in multiple ways (e.g., “global averages” or regional impacts).

Finally, most of the LCA data collected is at the global level and thus is not a full representation of country or regional production.