CALIMERO · Industry CAse studies anaLysis to IMprove EnviROnmental performance and sustainability of bio-based industrial processes

European industries remain a significant source of pollution (51% of GHG emissions), with unsustainable production processes impacting adversely on climate change, natural resources availability, air/water/soil quality, ecosystems services and biodiversity. Thus, a transition to a sustainable and strong bioeconomy is one of the European main priorities as part of the EU Industrial Policy Strategy, the European Green Deal, the 2030 Climate Target Plan and the Bioeconomy strategy. CALIMERO will analyse bio-based sectors industrial case studies provided by partners (construction (ECIA), woodworking (CESEFOR), textiles (TECHTERA, EREKS), pulp & paper (ESSITY) and biochemicals (BIMKEMI)) to find feasible solutions to improve their environmental performance while considering also economic and social aspects. A deep analysis and improvement of the bio-based sectors sustainability performance by sustainability experts (CTA, WELOOP, LIST, IVL NEOVILI), followed by the simulation and modelling of relevant case studies through bio-engineering expertise (DTU) will be conducted to improve current Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment methodologies, based on the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) guide. To that end, missing characterization factors to assess biodiversity loss, impacts to ecosystem services and toxicity effects of sector-specific substances will be developed. The allocation methods of biotic circular systems will also be improved and the time dimension for lifecycle carbon footprint assessment will be considered. Material criticality and socio-economic indicators will also be included to cover the three pillars of sustainability. The improved methodology will be applied via a Multi Objective Optimization framework that will optimize industrial simulations with sustainability criteria. Finally, guidelines and recommendations addressed to industry, policy makers and scientific community will be developed for industrial sustainable development and monitoring.