FRONTSH1P_D3.4_LCA, s-LCA and LCC & main outcomes from CSS1

Deliverable D3.4 presents an integrated sustainability assessment of Circular Systemic Solution 1 (CSS1), which focuses on the valorisation of wood packaging waste through innovative reuse, recycling, and energy recovery strategies. The aim is to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impact of the CSS1 technologies in comparison with the current waste management and energy production practices in the Łódzkie region of Poland.

Three main scenarios were assessed in this deliverable:
• CSS1_1.1: Reuse of wood waste in the form of furniture and wooden goods
• CSS1_1.2: Combined heat and power production with post-combustion CO₂ capture
• CSS1_1.3: Thermal energy production through combustion, with CO₂ capture

The Life Cycle Assessment is based on the CML 2001 method and EN15804+A2 indicators. Results show that Scenarios 1.2 and 1.3, which involve energy recovery and CO₂ capture, consistently outperform both the Baseline and Scenario 1.1 in several impact categories, achieving net negative values in Abiotic Depletion (fossil), Eutrophication, Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity and Global Warming Potential. This suggests that energy recovery from wood waste, when integrated with carbon capture, not only offsets environmental burdens but can even deliver net environmental benefits. Scenario 1.1, although contributing to waste reduction through reuse, shows higher impacts in resource use and toxicity-related categories, due to additional materials and processing stages required.

In terms of economic performance, the Life Cycle Costing analysis identifies energy input, CO₂ capture costs and material handling as the primary economic drivers. Scenarios involving energy recovery show higher initial capital and operational costs but also offer greater potential for offsetting costs through energy production and CO₂ credits, depending on the future regulatory landscape and carbon pricing mechanisms.
The Social Life Cycle Assessment evaluated stakeholder categories such as workers, local communities, consumers, society, and value chain actors. The results show overall positive performance across the scenarios, especially in terms of worker safety, local employment, and public commitment to sustainability. Scenario 1.1 contributes significantly to job creation and community engagement, while Scenarios 1.2 and 1.3 show stronger performance in technological development and social responsibility, linked to the adoption of advanced CO₂ capture technologies.

Overall, D3.4 confirms that CSS1 offers a scalable, circular approach to managing wood packaging waste, with clear environmental benefits, promising economic pathways and positive social outcomes. The findings provide a solid foundation for further demonstration and upscaling efforts under the FRONTSH1P project.