Life cycle assessment and circular practices in the woodworking sector: a systematic review

To shift toward a bio-based and circular economy, wood is seen as a key component. To assess the environmental impact of wood utilization, life cycle assessment (LCA) is used. However, current LCAs lack comparability. To be comparable, LCAs must be reproducible, transparent, and follow the same approach. Hence, the goal of the study is to identify the level of harmonization among state-of-the-art LCA applications within the woodworking sector via a comprehensive systematic literature review. The results show that LCA has been applied to various products and processes in the woodworking sector and highlight the predominance of the construction sector. Examining the different LCA phases, different approaches and policies are identified. Recommendations are presented on how LCAs for the woodworking sector can be streamlined. This involves general recommendations for LCA practitioners and policymakers to have at least a cradle-to-grave approach, a standardization of the background and the technical backbone of the foreground system, a harmonized impact assessment method, and performing a sensitivity analysis for the interpretation of the results. For woodworking specifically, temporal, and spatial considerations, accounting for timing of emissions and land use (change), should be included as well as proper End-of-Life considerations via a cascading approach. The increased adoption of wood as a clean technology offers a promising environmental performance; particularly, if forests are sustainably managed, wood modifications are non-fossil and non-toxic, and circular strategies are incorporated. To fully realize its potential, it is essential to standardize LCA methodologies which can set an example to support regulatory policies.