During the first Periodic report (Jan 2024-June 2025), LCA4BIO has advanced substantially towards its scientific and technical objectives.During the first reporting period, LCA4BIO has advanced substantially towards its scientific and technical objectives.
In WP2, methodologies for assessing the environmental sustainability and circularity of bio-based systems were enhanced. This includes a new dynamic carbon footprint method integrating temporal data and short-lived climate forcers, the mapping of 143 circularity indicators with practical guidance for their application, and the selection and refinement of impact assessment methods covering biodiversity, land use, water, toxicity and ecosystem services.
WP3 advanced prospective LCA approaches for low-TRL technologies. A comprehensive literature review was completed, while methodologies for ex-ante LCA and foreground inventory development are ongoing. An online tool to integrate Integrated Assessment Models into background datasets has been prototyped, and new guidelines for uncertainty appraisal are being developed and tested.
In WP4, the focus has been on analysing trade-offs and synergies of bioeconomy expansion. Work included a review of substitution challenges (submitted for publication), the identification of methods for socio-economic assessments, and the development of an EU-scale model to evaluate biomass supply constraints and the feasibility of bio-based growth.
WP5 is testing and validating the improved methodologies through case studies on lignin, HMF and wood panels. Data collection at both laboratory and industrial scales has been completed or is ongoing, and first applications of the enhanced inventory building and impact assessment methods have been performed, enabling direct comparison between emerging and established production routes.
Finally, WP6 is adapting the new methodologies to certification frameworks. A first co-creation workshop with stakeholders was carried out, and four user-friendly tools are now under development to facilitate application in practice, including tools for dynamic inventory, toxicity, carbon footprint and circularity assessment.
Overall, the project has delivered concrete methodological advances and first practical applications, laying the foundation for harmonised and robust sustainability assessment of bio-based systems across Europe.
