ARTA presents Groundbreaking Life Cycle Analysis on Cleanroom Coveralls

04Apr
ARTA

The American Reusable Textile Association presents
Groundbreaking Life Cycle Analysis on Cleanroom Coveralls
at INTERPHEX NY on April 27
LCA research finds that reusable cleanroom coveralls provide a significant improvement in energy, environmental footprint, water, and energy-associated emissions.

Attendees of this year’s INTERPHEX NY will be among the first in the industry to hear the results of a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing reusable and disposable cleanroom coveralls. Michael Overcash, PhD, of Environmental Clarity, LLC, will present the LCA findings on Wed., April 27, 2:15 p.m. at the 3D Innovation Stage. INTERPHEX, short for the International Pharmaceutical Expo, is sponsored by the Parenteral Drug Association and takes place at the Javits Center in New York City, April 26-28.

The LCA research was sponsored by the Cleanroom Committee of the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) and conducted by Environmental Clarity, LLC, a Virginia-based research firm. This is the first life cycle that includes gamma sterilization as used in the cleanroom coverall sector.

“The results of the cleanroom coverall LCA support the conclusions from six other reusable/disposable studies that showed reusables provide a significant improvement in energy, environmental footprint, water, and energy-associated emissions,” said Overcash.

About the Study

Disposable and reusable cleanroom coveralls were studied from their inception as raw materials in the earth to manufacture of the coverall product, to use/reuse in an ISO Class 3 through 5 cleanroom, then to final end-of-life disposition. The scope and the results emphasize transparent, science-based life cycle analysis. An abstract on the study is available at www.ARTA1.com.

The study found that choosing reusable cleanroom coveralls instead of disposable alternatives (two types studied) has a significant positive effect on the environment. Reusable cleanroom coveralls provide:

  • 56% lower natural resource energy consumption,
  • 57% lower carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions,
  • 77% lower total water consumed (blue water),and
  • 95% reduction in solid waste stream at the cleanroom facility.

Two representative market leading disposable coveralls— a flash spunbonded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) coverall and a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond polypropylene (PP) coverall – were compared with a representative market-leading reusable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coverall. The HDPE coverall was found to be 43% lower in natural resource energy consumption and 41% lower in CO2 equivalent emissions than the PP coverall.  The water consumption for the HDPE coverall was 12% lower than the PP coverall.

ARTA Cleanroom Committee

The study was organized by ARTA’s Cleanroom Committee, which contracted with the independent research firm Environmental Clarity. The committee members are:

  • Dianne Knitter of Prudential Overall Supply, Cleanroom Division,
  • Jerry Martin of Prudential Overall Supply, Cleanroom Division,
  • Myles Reukema of Prudential Overall Supply, Cleanroom Division,
  • Steve Glosson of Precision Fabrics Group,
  • Dennis Moore of ITG/Burlington,
  • Greg Winn of White Knight,
  • Doby Byers of Hi-Tech Garments,
  • Brendan O’Neill of London Hospital Linen/ARTA President, and
  • Nancy Jenkins of ARTA/Executive Director.

The research team included Michael Overcash, Eric Vozzola, and Evan Griffing. ARTA was founded in 1982 with the mission to create greater awareness and appreciation for reusable textiles. Members represent all facets of the textile services industry — from manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors to profit and not-for-profit laundry operators, as well as allied associations. For more information: www.ARTA1.com.

Release date: 04/14/2016

Contact: MISSION, KS - Nancy Jenkins, njenkins@ARTA1.com

Source: www.ARTA1.com.

By: American Reusable Textile Association