Use phase
What you need to know
Environmental impact
The environmental footprint of the use phase is driven by the washing (both machine and hand wash), tumble drying, ironing, and dry cleaning of the garment throughout its lifespan. Default care cycles have been developed for 19 garment types based on the PEFCR, accounting for different laundry frequencies. For example, the care cycle for underwear differs from that of trousers, reflecting the unique wear and wash patterns of each garment type.
Social impact
The social external cost is calculated based on the water and electricity consumption needed for washing and maintaining the garment over its lifecycle. Average costs for water and electricity usage are applied using Eurostat data, with Belgium's water and electricity distribution sectors serving as a proxy.