Wool Overcoat

A wool overcoat represents one of the most carbon-intensive garments in fashion, with emissions dominated by sheep farming activities and methane production from livestock digestion. The lengthy supply chain from pasture to finished garment creates multiple environmental impact stages, though the farming phase contributes the majority of total lifecycle emissions.

Material Composition Assumptions

A typical wool overcoat consists primarily of processed sheep wool fiber, with minor components including synthetic or natural fiber lining materials. The main garment body contains approximately 800-1000 grams of worsted wool fabric, representing roughly 85-90% of total material weight. Supporting materials include polyester or silk lining fabric weighing 100-150 grams, metal or horn buttons totaling 20-30 grams, and synthetic thread components under 10 grams. The wool processing method significantly influences environmental impact, with worsted wool requiring more intensive manufacturing than woollen processing techniques.

Manufacturing Geography

China dominates global wool garment manufacturing, processing raw wool imports from Australia, New Zealand, and other sheep-farming regions into finished overcoats. The country’s textile manufacturing infrastructure combines large-scale wool processing facilities with skilled garment assembly operations. China’s electricity grid remains heavily dependent on coal-fired power generation, contributing to elevated manufacturing emissions compared to regions with cleaner energy sources. This geographic concentration allows for efficient supply chain coordination but creates carbon intensity challenges due to grid composition and transportation distances from wool-producing regions.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2e/kWh	48	Baseline
Italy	285 gCO2e/kWh	44	-8%
Turkey	470 gCO2e/kWh	47	-2%
India	700 gCO2e/kWh	51	+6%
United Kingdom	245 gCO2e/kWh	43	-10%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit verified wool origin documentation specifying sheep farm location, breed, and pasture management practices including methane mitigation measures.

2. Provide detailed manufacturing facility energy consumption records with renewable energy certificates or grid electricity source verification.

3. Document wool processing method specification including scouring chemicals used, water consumption per kilogram, and waste treatment procedures.

4. Supply transportation records covering wool shipment from farm to processing facility, including mode of transport and distances traveled.

5. Furnish garment assembly facility certifications for energy efficiency, waste reduction programs, and any circular economy initiatives for textile waste.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-grave emissions including sheep farming, wool processing, garment manufacturing, consumer use phase, and end-of-life disposal scenarios.

• Scope 3 emissions dominate the profile due to extensive agricultural upstream impacts and consumer laundry activities throughout garment lifetime.

• Functional unit assumes average garment lifetime of ten years with seasonal wearing patterns typical for outerwear categories.

• Assessment excludes packaging materials, retail operations, and consumer transportation to purchase location.

• Data gaps include regional variations in sheep breed methane production rates and emerging wool recycling technology impacts.

• Use phase calculations assume standard washing frequency and energy consumption patterns for wool garment care requirements.