Upcycled Handwoven Potli Sling (PS0424-002) MS_W

1. Use of Upcycled Materials

Explanation

The product is made from upcycled materials, which means it utilizes waste or discarded materials that are repurposed instead of being sent to landfills. This reduces the need for new raw materials, lowering the overall environmental impact.

Scientific Basis

Using upcycled materials helps in reducing the carbon footprint because it avoids the emissions associated with extracting, processing, and transporting new raw materials. According to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, upcycling reduces the need for virgin materials and minimizes energy consumption, leading to a lower overall carbon footprint (Densley Tingley et al., 2017).

2. Handwoven Craftsmanship

Explanation

The potli sling is handwoven, meaning it is produced using traditional, manual techniques rather than automated, industrial processes. This reduces energy consumption and emissions associated with industrial manufacturing.

Scientific Basis

Handwoven products have a smaller carbon footprint compared to machine-made ones due to the reduced energy requirements. A study in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment found that artisanal and handwoven products generally have lower environmental impacts because they rely less on fossil fuels and more on human labor (Allwood et al., 2012).

3. Local Production

Explanation

If the potli sling is produced locally, it reduces the need for long-distance transportation, which is a significant source of carbon emissions.

Scientific Basis

Local production minimizes the transportation emissions associated with global supply chains. Research in Environmental Science & Technology shows that transportation is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of products, and local production can significantly cut down these emissions (Weber & Matthews, 2008).

4. Minimalist and Durable Design

Explanation

The design of the potli sling is likely minimalist and durable, meaning it requires fewer resources to produce and lasts longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and thereby lowering the long-term carbon footprint.

Scientific Basis

Durable products have a lower environmental impact over their lifecycle. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, extending the lifespan of products through durability and repairability significantly reduces their overall carbon footprint by minimizing the need for new products (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013).

5. Smaller Scale Production

Explanation

Small-scale production typically involves less energy-intensive processes compared to mass production, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.

Scientific Basis

Small-scale production often involves more sustainable practices and less energy use compared to large-scale industrial manufacturing. A study in Sustainability highlights that small-scale, locally-produced goods generally have lower carbon footprints due to more sustainable production methods and reduced transportation needs (Schaltegger & Burritt, 2010).

References

• Densley Tingley, D., Cooper, S., Cullen, J., (2017). "Understanding and overcoming the barriers to structural steel reuse, a UK perspective." Journal of Cleaner Production, 148, 642-652.
• Allwood, J. M., Laursen, S. E., Russell, S. N., Malvido de Rodriguez, C., Bocken, N. M. P., (2012). "An approach to scenario analysis of the sustainability of an industrial sector applied to clothing and textiles in the UK." International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 17(6), 889-895.
• Weber, C. L., Matthews, H. S., (2008). "Food-Miles and the Relative Climate Impacts of Food Choices in the United States." Environmental Science & Technology, 42(10), 3508-3513.
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation, (2013). "Towards the Circular Economy Vol. 1: an economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition."
• Schaltegger, S., Burritt, R., (2010). "Sustainability accounting for companies: Catchphrase or decision support for business leaders?" Journal of World Business, 45(4), 375-384.