Socio-Economic Effects in the Knitwear Sector—A Life Cycle-Based Approach Towards the Definition of Social Indicators

In the recent years the theme of sustainability has become so important that it has involved all economic sectors, including that of clothing, in which the phase concerning the dyeing of the garments deserves particular attention due to the substances used that are often harmful both in environmental and in social terms. This study analyses, by using the Social Life Cycle Assessment methodology, the life cycle of a made-in-Italy cashmere sweater, which is subject to natural dyeing. The aim of the study is to highlight the positive impacts (handprints) that arise along all the production phases (product design, yarn making, weaving, dyeing and finishing, sewing, labelling and packaging). For all the four stakeholder categories under analysis (Workers, Consumers, Value chain Actors, Society), several questionnaires were submitted that investigated the issues related to the category (e.g., for Workers: working hours, fair salary, etc.). Furthermore, the Subcategory Assessment Method was used to provide a quantitative character to the obtained results by illustrating the social behaviour of all the organisations that are involved in the life cycle. The emerged positive impacts include: a greater protection of consumers health and safety thanks to the reduction of chemical substances and to a particular labelling system that guarantees that sweaters are naturally dyed; greater responsibility of the local community towards sustainability issues; the setting up of new green production technologies.