A new study, led by EFI researchers Timokleia (Cleo) Orphanidou and Mariana Hassegawa, explored the potential non-climate-related environmental impacts of wood-based textile fibres and modern timber buildings.
The production and use of wood-based textile fibres and timber construction materials have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they are associated with opportunities for carbon storage and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is reported that other environmental impacts, such as acidification, water and air pollution, or the loss of biodiversity, may also be associated with the processing, production, use and disposal of (wood) products. At present, these impacts have not been fully explored. At the same time, there is a lack of systematic research into non-climate-related environmental impacts arising across the entire life cycle of wood-based textile fibres and modern timber buildings.
The new EFI report on wood-based textile fibres and modern timber buildings is based on comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and expert interviews. The authors present anticipated technological developments that support the movement of wood-based fibres and modern timber buildings towards environmental sustainability. They also provide insights into the limitations regarding the development of wood-based textile fibres and modern timber buildings.
The authors highlight three insights that can be gained by looking at wood-based textile fibres and modern timber buildings from a life cycle perspective:
It is crucial to improve the metrics used to quantify environmental impact indicators, particularly in relation to various factors that influence the environmental sustainability of forest products. Standard LCA studies used to quantify environmental impacts do not reflect real-world scenarios for natural systems such as forests, so the applicability of these LCA impact assessment methods, indicators and their parameters must be rethought.
We need to invest in research and development to support the creation of sustainable materials and circular principles for new wood products throughout their entire life cycle. Environmental sustainability considerations and circularity principles must be incorporated at the very early stages of product design. It is important to reduce the use of heavy chemicals and lower the overall chemical input.
Investment in technology is required to further improve energy efficiency, thereby further reducing reliance on fossil energy. The energy mix used in product manufacturing is an important factor in helping to improve the environmental profile of both industries. Production processes should prioritise renewable energy sources, particularly by selecting non-wood biomass. It is preferable to use wood in the production process as a raw material for products rather than as an energy source.
The report is available here: https://doi.org/10.36333/k2a06
Full reference: Orphanidou, T., Hassegawa, H., Leskinen, P., Sixta, H., Oinas, P., Cardellini, G. 2023. Wood-based textiles and modern timber buildings. Knowledge to Action 6, European Forest Institute. https://doi.org/10.36333/k2a06