The Application of Social LCA as an Analytical Tool for Optimizing Home Laundry

Abstract

We proposed the application of social life cycle assessment (called social LCA) as part of a comprehensive study of consumer behavior related to home laundry. In this study, in place of typical environmental life cycle assessments of product (called ISO-LCA), we took the new approach of examining consumer behavior. We then examined a plan to reduce environmental effects during the overall life cycle. In recent years consumer behavior related to home laundry has changed due to shifts in family composition and lifestyle, increased use of the automatic washing machines that take into consideration environmental impact and the need to save energy, and changes in detergent selection, such as the use of compact powdered detergent whose dosage is diminishing per washing liquor. Within this context, we sought to assess typical consumer behavior using a survey. We also sought to examine consumer behavior using artificial soiled test cloths and laundering agents of a certain detergency. In addition, we used three types of washing machines due to clarify the effect of the large load capacities of the automatic washing machines. Our survey of laundry behavior proved that consumer washing behavior is complex. It was observed that, due to increased comprehension of the need to save water and conserve energy, many consumers have adjusted their home use of washing machines, opting to use automatic water-saving models and making use of large-load capacities to wash many clothes in a single cycle. In addition, the social LCA-based study, in which detergents, water use, and electricity consumed by washing machines were analyzed to ascertain washing behavior, it became clear that CO₂ emissions during machine usage were significantly lower CO₂ emissions released during the production of all types of washing machines. Our Social LCA-based study revealed that the latest generation of washing machines has produced many reductions in CO₂ emissions. It was confirmed that the most common and effective consumer laundry behavior was made up of a decrease of washing frequency accompanied by an increased amount of laundry per cycle, a practice “Matome Arai,” can reduce total CO₂ emissions during machine life cycle.