Lola Starr has been working with The ECO-I-NW project at Liverpool John Moores University to measure the supply chain carbon assessment of the Athleisure wear range, in order to enable me as a brand owner to understand the contribution in environmental emission.
I want to share this with you.
Better for the environment.
The UK government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and be net-zero by 2050.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are categorised into three ‘Scopes’ that are based on the emissions your business creates. We utilise all three Scopes when measuring a carbon footprint, to allow your business to focus on achieving the most meaningful reductions, not only from within your operations, but across values chains.
Scope 1
(Direct emissions) emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by company
Scope 2
(Energy indirect) emissions are those that are indirectly related to company i.e.
emissions from the generation of electricity, heat or steam
Scope 3
(Other indirect) emissions result from sources not controlled by company i.e.
outsourced activities for distribution, water & waste water, travel, waste, employee commuting.
Carbon Foot Printing
Calculating the carbon footprint of the business is the first step on the journey to Net Zero.
ECO-I-NW works with businesses to measure carbon footprint to establish a baseline that enables the company to identify their biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), across all areas of their business.
The company's carbon footprint should be reviewed annually. Our straightforward carbon footprint reports help businesses monitor their progress and help develop a carbon reduction plan to reduce and offset unavoidable emissions.
The footprint report follows the UK Governments prescribed procedures, using DEFRAs 2013 ‘Environmental Reporting Guidelines’. Under these guidelines, there is a requirement for UK listed companies to report on their contribution to carbon emissions output under Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3. In the case of Lola Starr only Scopes 2 and 3 emissions are considered in the calculation.
Mixed waste ECONYL
Company Background
Lola Starr is a premium online fashion brand established in 2019. The business owner Kate Hill operates as a sole trader designing and retailing fashion-conscious clothing for both children and adults.
The adult range consists of athleisure wear, which is the focus of this research.
The garments’ multifunctionality and interchangeable or detachable components give customers access to multiple styles with just one garment, making it simple for them to wear goods during transitional seasons or switch up their appearance without having to spend more money.
The athleisure wear variety is reversible, enabling the end user to have many appearances and be more environmentally friendly. The user can create two distinct styles for the cost of one athleisure wear bundle rather than purchasing two.
Materials are purchased from fair-trade producers in Italy and then shipped to the UK. Nonetheless, all Athleisure clothing is designed and manufactured in the UK, emphasising locating high-quality, long-lasting products and environmentally friendly textiles that are built to last.
The products are composed of ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon created entirely from waste materials that would otherwise contaminate the environment, such as fishing nets and carpets. A cyclical economy is created by turning any leftover fabric from Athleisure clothing into hair scrunchies. Lola Starr has committed to becoming net zero and has successfully introduced low-carbon business features across her enterprise, including the use of recyclable packaging, sustainable materials generated from waste, and local manufacturers in the UK.
The business’s driving force has been sustainability, which helps the company target clients to receive more for their money and make garments last longer. In order to completely comprehend scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Lola Starr is interested in a supply chain carbon assessment. The business is looking to LJMU for assistance in developing a plan to offer its low-carbon operations and products.
Supply Chain Carbon Assessment
The corresponding carbon emissions from the fabric transportation are calculated in this section. The fabric originally comes from Italy then travels to UK Heathrow HUB by plane, then to Newcastle-Upon_tyne.
Once sewn, the garments are delivered via a courier and driven to Liverpool in a diesel van. (this is sometimes an electric van).
As a result, the import of fabric from Italy accounted for the largest CO2 contribution, at 73%.
Figure 1:
Percentage of CO2 contribution form transportation.
Transport produced 24% of the UK’s total emissions in 2020, and remains the largest emitting sector in the UK. The majority (91%) of emissions from domestic transport came from road vehicles (89 MtCO2e). The biggest contributors to this were cars and taxis, which made up 52% of the emissions from domestic transport (51 MtCO2e), Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) (19% of domestic transport emissions, 18.6 MtCO2e) and vans (16% of emissions, 16 MtCO2e).
ECONYL® nylon is not only 100% regenerated but is also infinitely regenerable to continue creating like-new nylon with the same quality and performance.
The solution-dyed yarn is bleach and fade-resistant.
SUMMARY
For Lola Starr, a comprehensive supply chain carbon footprint analysis was conducted. This will give the business solid baseline data on which to base its future environmental strategy. Also, ECO-I-NW offered some recommendations to assist the business in lowering its carbon footprint, and the report also includes alternatives for carbon offsetting.
In the instance of Lola Starr, importing recycled fabric from Italy, this is responsible for 98% of the carbon emissions. As flying is the most damaging travel option for the climates.
Suggested; Consider a carrier that uses renewable biofuels which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. Some eco-friendly airlines operating in the UK include companies such as:
- Virgin Atlantic
- British Airways
- and
- EasyJet.
In addition to these environmental benefits, ECONYL® nylon is also produced with human health and safety in mind. The ECONYL® Regeneration System was engineered to avoid the use of solvents typically found in chemical recycling. They reduced Scope 1 + Scope 2 carbon emissions by 64% in five years and continue to closely monitor the quality of our wastewater to minimise the impact of their industrial activities.
As a brand owner, I am always looking for ways to be more sustainable and have the least impact on the planet as possible; my number 1 aim is to ensure our products last, in style and quality, and extend their lifespan as long as possible. Because every time you make something, there is a negative impact on our environment. So, the products we make have to be worth it. For me, it is not about constant newness but creating the very best products you want to wear often, for a long time. Less, but better.
Kate designer-founder Lola Starr