Houdini whitepaper proposes formula for impact assessment

11/05/2020
Sportswear brand Houdini has released a whitepaper introducing a formula for how companies can assess both the environmental impact from a product's production processes and the impact from the product's consumption.

The proposed formula is P * V + L = I, for which “P” is the impact of the product, “V” is the volume of the product, “L” is the lifestyle supported and “I” is the total impact. The whitepaper, titled “Regenerative Lifestyles”, builds on the Half-Earth Project, which aims to protect half the surface of the globe.

Most companies focus on minimising the negative impact from production, Houdini said, while few seem to have strategies for reducing the volume of consumption or supporting sustainable lifestyles.

To be sustainable, according to the whitepaper, apparel companies need to address production, volume and lifestyle. This means products should be circular and sustainable by design, sourcing and production, including value chains. For achieving sustainable volumes of the product, this means versatile functionality, high quality and timeless design to encourage smaller and longer-lasting wardrobes. In terms of lifestyle, the paper called for products and brands to encourage sustainable ways of living though marketing, customer relations and partnerships.

The whitepaper estimated that the difference in environmental impact between a low-impact lifestyle and a high-impact lifestyle is often 500% to 1000%. It highlights potential lifestyle initiatives for areas with significant impact, such as circular and regenerative material and products design, products designed for longevity in terms of quality and style, a focus on sustainable lifestyle choices, and an overall shift towards lifestyles with low material consumption.

”The current crisis has made it clear that we must create a more resilient world where companies integrate regenerative solutions at the heart of their business,” said Eva Karlsson, CEO of Houdini Sportswear. “This project helps us in accelerating our journey towards regenerative and will hopefully serve as a tool to share our insights and find partners to expand and accelerate our common journey towards a thriving Half-Earth future”.