Session
WE.2.C || Benefits of Retaining Materials and Their Quality in a Circular Economy
Authors
Ott, Stephan; Wagner, Anna
Abstract
In this research, a deeper insight into the careful use of wooden resources along their cascade of transformation is given. Moreover, the development of wood-based construction products from these resources is considered. Such a careful use should include the reduction of raw wooden resources by increasing circularity and consequently the use of secondary materials. This can lead to the decrease of waste disposal and prevent the release of carbon dioxide entailing the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. To implement a careful resource use, concepts of recyclability are defined, explained and matched with cascading principles. In such way, the recyclability of secondary resources for new products and possible improvement to recycle products can be enabled. By relating a material flow assessment with cascading possibilities and the waste hierarchy, a scenario analysation can be conducted. Based on this analysis, substitution effects, the resulting carbon storage potential and recommendations for a careful resource use can be shown. The research results in concepts to implement cascading of wood-based products. Further, cascade use scenarios for products including the material flow of recyclable wood-based materials are generated. This leads to measurable effects of waste reduction and increased secondary flow usage. Consequently, it is possible to improve products to enable better future utilisation as secondary resources, to reduce thermal utilisation and to take measures to minimize wood waste for disposal. By applying material flow analysis for different cascading use cycles, a quantification of secondary materials in wood-based products, avoided waste as well as the related amount of biogenic carbon storage is possible. More general effects can be measured and analysed trough the consideration of products and scenarios not considered in this research.