Implementing Ecodesign During Product Development: An Ex-Ante Life Cycle Assessment of Wood-Plastic Composites

Abstract

AbstractAbout 80% of environmental performance is determined during product development. This study assesses environmental impacts of wood-plastic composite (WPC) boards still in development, to identify impact hot spots and improvement potentials. A seven-step approach to ecodesign implementation was used. It identifies environmental impacts and derives improvement strategies. A life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14040 was conducted to quantify potential environmental impacts. The WPC boards are made of PVC and wood flour. Impacts mostly result from PVC and electricity consumption for production. Thus, this study proposes replacing PVC with polylactic acid (PLA). Further improvement strategies are increasing material efficiency, energy efficiency, renewable electricity use and secondary plastic input. Increased end of life recycling reduces environmental impacts, compared to incineration only. These changes reduce the initial climate change results of 145 kg CO2 eq by 55%. Thus, early consideration of environmental aspects supports sustainable product development.