Polygiene, a leader in antimicrobial and stay fresh technologies, has run a life cycle assessment (LCA) showing that washing items of clothing less frequently can reduce environmental impact by one-third.

The results of the trial show that by investing in garments treated with Polygiene StayFresh, consumers can save up to 51 kWh in energy, save up to 3800 litres of water, and earn back four free days of wasted time spent washing. Polygiene calls this Mindful Living, a term coined by the brand to show how one person can make one positive and significant change to reduce their impact on the environment.

Polygiene partnered with Sweco, one of the leading European engineering consultancies, to conduct an LCA on the benefits of simply skipping one of two washes. In the study, three scenarios were evaluated with same baseline of three training sessions per week, equating to 156 trainings per year and using a standard polyester t-shirt (120 gsm, 90% polyester/ 10% elastane).

Scenario A included the shirt not treated and washed after every use, scenario B, treated with Polygiene StayFresh technology and washed after every use, and scenario C, treated with Polygiene StayFresh and washed only every second time. A cradle-to-grave analysis technique, the assessment evaluated the environmental impact associated with all stages of the t-shirt's life.

A consumer will typically wear a garment once before washing it, says Polygiene. This equates to about 50 washes before the garment reaches the end of its life. However, a t-shirt treated with Polygiene StayFresh means the garment stays fresher for longer. This powerful odour control technology inhibits odour-causing bacteria. Now the owner can confidently skip every second wash without worrying about bad odours from their t-shirt, the company explains.

One less wash means saving on energy, water, CO2, time, and money – and the t-shirt lasts longer.

Heavy on both energy and resources, sport and fast fashion has a substantial environmental impact. Polygiene works with its partners to redefine product freshness, improve hygiene and achieve sustainability initiatives. We only have one planet – but one person can make a positive impact by choosing mindful living, the company concludes.

“Wearing garments treated with Polygiene StayFresh means less washing, more sustainable clothing, and longer-lasting, consumer-friendly products that are kind to the planet too," comments Polygiene CEO, Ulrika Björk.

www.polygiene.com