The current tool works well where a solution is applied in a single process or tier and where the effectiveness (i.e. the % reductions in heat and electrical energy) is clear and consistent.

• If a solution has different levels of effectiveness in different processes or tiers, it may be necessary to carry out multiple calculations and sum up the overall potential savings.
• If a solution is related to circularity / re-use of materials, we credit the solution provider with the notional benefits associated with a reduced need to create new fibers, yarns, and fabrics, and the need to carry out dyeing as appropriate. This may require multiple calculations and summing up of potential savings.
• Solutions that focus on reduced waste or improvements in quality may have ‘ripple’ benefits beyond the place they are applied and may require multiple calculations and summing up of potential savings.

The tool requires the applicant to provide a credible estimation of the % of the maximum potential savings their solution can affect. This requires detailed knowledge of the global industry sector they are working with (and the CSP Advisory Council requires this to sense check applications). For example, if a proposed solution is to be rolled out to 10 cotton spinning mills, what % of the global cotton spinning market does that represent?

The database itself will be updated annually, and we anticipate several improvements.

• The current data is based on a zero-loss model, which we know is crude and incorrect. We will attempt to include information on material losses at each stage of production, but we also have to consider if those losses are genuine waste, ordinarily recycled, 2nd quality materials with value, a co-product with value, and so on.
• The exact scope of textiles in the database and associated fiber volumes needs expert review in light of the apparent disconnect between high volumes of synthetics assumed to be used in apparel and the low % of synthetics in major brands’ products.
• The default emission factor (g CO2  / kWh) needs review, and heat energy, on-site electricity, and grid electricity may need different values.
• We need better granularity in terms of fine and coarse yarns and heavy and lightweight fabrics. Everything currently uses an average.
• Common blends may be included (currently it is a single fiber only model).
• The range of fibers may need to be included. For example, recycled polyester is now produced in higher volumes than other traditional mainstream fibers.

The tool will be updated annually. The key issues being addressed for the 2025 version are material losses, an update of the volume of polyester, etc.