EVALUATING PLASTIC FOOTPRINT OF THE APPAREL INDUSTRY FOR ACHIEVING PLASTIC NEUTRALITY: A CASE STUDY IN HIRDARAMANI MIHILA FACTORY, SRI LANKA

Abstract

1. Introduction This study aims to assess the plastic footprint of the Hirdaramani Mihila factory and analyze the environmental impact of its plastic use, with the ultimate goal of achieving industrial plastic neutrality. The objectives are to quantify the amount of plastic footprint in the production process, analyze the environmental impact using Life Cycle Assessment, and determine the plastic credit requirements necessary to neutralize the plastic footprint. 2. Research Methodology The data collection process covers both primary and secondary data related to plastic materials directly used in the production process at the factory over one year. The plastic footprint was calculated by analyzing 122 plastic items used across 11 departments. Microsoft Excel was used for calculations and visualizations, Minitab was employed for statistical analysis and the environmental impacts were analyzed using SimaPro software, following the ReCiPe endpoint method. 3. Findings and Discussion Results revealed that the total plastic footprint was 86,091 kg. The Low- density polyethylene accounted for the largest portion of the footprint. Human health has been affected the most, and the amount is 190.7257392. Ecosystem quality and resource depletion have been equally affected, and the amounts are 9.050840836 and 7.91257917, respectively. However, it is unfortunate that more than 90% of the total environmental impact is on human health. To neutralize this footprint, the study calculated that the Hirdaramani Mihila factory would need to purchase approximately 86 tons of plastic credits. 4. Conclusion and Implications More than half of the total amount of plastic used in the year belongs to the unaccounted category. The amount of plastic used for one garment in that process is 25 grams. Recommendations include implementing a more sustainable packaging strategy to reduce reliance on high-impact plastics like Low-density polyethene and Polyvinyl chloride, improving recycling and reuse efforts within the factory, and integrating plastic-neutral certification into corporate sustainability goals.