IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute
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Generic LCA report for an EPD generator: Sawmill products
No full textThis report presents a methodology for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for wood-based construction products, aligned with ISO 14040, ISO 14044, EN 15804, and EN 16485. It defines wood-specific material characteristics, calculation methods, allocation rules, and scenario settings to streamline LCA results and support both manual and tool-based EPD generation. The report provides generic input data, average Swedish sawmill production figures, and ecoinvent-based datasets classified by EN 15804. It also addresses challenges of data accessibility, digital integration, and international harmonization, emphasizing the need for methodological consistency. Developed through collaboration between IVL, Swedish Wood, and Skogforsk, this work supports sector-wide EPD tool development and improved transparency in sustainability reporting
Utveckling och utvärdering av akustisk mätteknik för emulsion för valsning
No full textDenna rapport beskriver ett av två delprojekt i projektet ”Resurseffektiv produktion och processoptimering”. Syftet med detta delprojekt är att vidareutveckla metodik och utrustning för att akustiskt mäta kvaliteten på valsoljemulsion on-line, där oljehalt är den mest efterfrågade, för att bättre kunna övervaka och styra kvaliteten på emulsionen. I rapporten beskrivs utmaningar kring mätningar och utveckling av en mätutrustning som använts i en industriell miljö, metodik för signalbehandling och dataanalys samt resultat för att prediktera olika emulsionsegenskaper då olika typer av signalbehandling använts. Slutligen presenteras slutsatser och rekommendationer för vidare arbeten
D6.7 Summary of outcome of qualitative Life cycle screening assessments of selected technologies
No full textThis report presents the summary of main results of a qualitative sustainability screening conducted under Task 6.1 of the BioSusTex project. The objective was to assess selected low-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) textile technologies in their early innovation stages, focusing on environmental, economic, and social impact across their life cycles. The assessment aims to guide design decisions, prioritize promising options for further development, and align innovations with Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles. Two methodological approaches were used: the Life Cycle Based Risk and Opportunity Mapping (LCBROM) method and the SSbD Scoping Method. LCBROM, applied to technologies in WP1, WP2, and WP4 of BioSusTex, identifies potential sustainability trade-offs through stakeholder engagement and life cycle thinking. The SSbD Scoping Method, applied in WP3 of BioSusTex, supports structured evaluations of safety and sustainability assumptions
Can mining wastewater be turned into a source of REE? : Separation of Rare Earth Elements in water with potentially disturbing elements and low concentrations
No full textThis report presents the results from testing three separate process modules for the recovery of rare earth elements (REE) from dilute mine and industrial waters. The background to the work is the growing need to develop new, more efficient and environmentally benign methods than those currently available, as existing technologies often suffer from limitations in selectivity, cost-effectiveness and environmental performance. The evaluated modules – electrocoagulation, functionalized sorbents and HFSLM (hollow-fibre supported liquid membrane) – were assessed individually as potential components of a future integrated process chain for REE extraction. The work was carried out within the Mistra TerraClean research programme by IVL in collaboration with researchers from Stockholm University, RISE and KTH. Pretreatment by electrocoagulation Pilot-scale electrocoagulation using aluminium electrodes was tested on mine water from the Lovisa mine spiked with REE. The process showed selective removal of divalent transition metals (Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺), while trivalent lanthanides remained in solution. This selectivity increased the REE/transition metal ratio by up to two orders of magnitude, potentially reducing the burden on subsequent process steps by lowering the concentration of interfering elements. Energy consumption was identified as a primary concern requiring optimisation, and the narrow pH window (4.8–5.2) demands careful control for successful implementation. Development of functionalized sorbents Six sorbent materials were synthesised and evaluated at bench scale for uptake of lanthanum (La³⁺) from aqueous solutions. Aminopropyl-functionalised silica (SiAP) exhibited the highest adsorption capacity at 55 mg/g La³⁺, while D2EHPA-impregnated silica (D2-SiAP) showed a three-fold increase in affinity despite lower overall capacity. Lignin-chitosan composites displayed broad pH tolerance but limited capacity (5 mg/g), and benzoxazine-based carbons showed moderate performance with good chemical stability. All sorbents were tested only in single-element solutions under controlled conditions. Regeneration protocols and breakthrough behaviour remain uncharacterised, and no scale-up to pilot columns has yet been conducted. HFSLM Separation at Pilot Scale HFSLM was tested using real mine water spiked with REE concentrations ranging from ng/L to µg/L. One month of continuous operation was achieved with over 90% efficiency, representing a significant improvement compared with previously published results. Through careful pH control, selective separation of individual rare earth elements was demonstrated in the tested matrices. The technique reduced solvent consumption by one to two orders of magnitude compared with conventional mixer–settler systems reported in the literature. pH control was found to be critical, including for maintaining membrane function, as pH levels above 3 led to gel formation, substantially reducing capacity. Losses of the extractant (D2EHPA in kerosene) were relatively small during operation, although some replenishment will be required upon scale-up. Reducing extractant losses will lower operating costs—given the high cost of the chemical—and decrease overall solvent use. Integrated assessment Overall, this research provides important insights into membrane-based recovery of rare earth elements (REE) from dilute streams and demonstrates that selective separation of individual REE is achievable through pH control. However, the technologies are still in a developmental phase. Realising their full potential will require addressing the operational and economic challenges identified here, particularly those related to long-term stability and cost-effectiveness. At the same time, the compact system design, reduced consumption of organic solvents and the demonstrated selectivity constitute strong incentives for continued development. Conclusions The research demonstrates the technical feasibility of individual process modules for REE recovery from dilute streams. Each module shows potential within specific operational windows—electrocoagulation for selective metal removal at controlled pH, sorbents for pre-concentration of REE and HFSLM for final separation and up-concentration. The modules, however, are positioned at different technology readiness levels (TRL): HFSLM is demonstrated at pilot scale (TRL 4–5), electrocoagulation partially at pilot scale (TRL 5–6) and the sorbents remain at bench scale (TRL 3–4). Progress towards industrial implementation will require evaluating the technologies within an integrated process context, assessing their economic viability and demonstrating long-term operational performance. Priorities include scaling up the most promising sorbents to pilot columns, extending HFSLM testing to 3–6 months and subsequently testing all three modules in series based on the actual water chemistry. The results constitute valuable proof-of-concept data but should be interpreted as highly promising early-stage research requiring substantial further development before industrial application is feasible
Maturity of fibre-to-fibre recycling in Europe - Assessment of recycling companies in Europe
No full textThis study aims to assess the maturity of a selection of existing European fibre-to-fibre recycling companies and to explore the future of post-consumer textile recycling. At present, only 1% of textiles fibres on the global market originate from recycled pre- or post-consumer textiles. Increasing textile recycling aligns with the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles and is necessary for creating a more sustainable textile industry. This study assessed six textile recycling companies across Europe, evaluating their level of technology readiness level (TRL), business readiness level (BRL), and customer readiness level (CRL) based on the KTH Innovation Readiness Level framework. The results indicate that mechanical recycling companies are generally more mature than chemical ones across the three parameters, with technology being the most mature and customer readiness the least. Scaling fibre-to-fibre recycling requires not just a high technical readiness level, but also a sustainable business models and strong value chain integration. A collaborative effort between large and small companies is essential to build a more sustainable textile industry that reduces virgin fibre dependence and promotes resource efficiency. Additionally, regulatory support is essential for recycling companies to scale production and compete effectively with virgin fibres.
Potential uses of oversized and clustered Pacific oysters from wild populations
No full textPacific oysters, introduced to Europe in the 1960s, have spread widely, forming feral populations with commercial potential. Here, we explored commercial opportunities for oversized and clustered oysters obtained from management harvest. We show that oysters obtained from management harvest have various applications - such as in design, animal feed and functional foods - in line with circular economy principles. Further research on processing, legal frameworks, and a Nordic collaboration could boost ecological and economic benefits of commercializing invasive oysters
Conditions for hydrogen fuelled heavy-duty transport
No full textVätgasdrivna lastbilar – en av nycklarna till fossilfri tung trafikTransportsektorn står inför en stor omställning, och vätgasdrivna tunga fordon kan spela en avgörande roll kopplat till övergången mot utsläppsfria lastbilstransporter där batteriteknik är mindre praktisk. Projektet "Förutsättningar för vätgasdriven tung trafik" analyserat möjligheter och utmaningar med att introducera vätgaslastbilar på den svenska marknaden. Studiens huvudsakliga mål har varit att utveckla ett transparant och trovärdigt beslutsunderlag gällande vätgasdrivna tunga fordon. Samt att genomföra en bedömning av den nationella vätgastankinfrastrukturen samt strategi för tillverkning av vätgas för tunga fordon. Studien visar att vätgaslastbilar kan minska klimatpåverkan avsevärt jämfört med dieselalternativ, särskilt om vätgasen produceras med fossilfri el. Livscykelanalyser indikerar att växthusgasutsläppen från vätgaslastbilar är mellan 10–25 procent av motsvarande dieselfordons.Förestående utmaningar ligger i utbyggnaden av tankinfrastruktur och vätgasproduktion, där investeringar och politiska styrmedel krävs. Men även de vätgaslastbilar som fordonstillverkare utvecklar behöver introduceras i modellprogrammen. Sammantaget går dock utvecklingen framåt inom alla dessa områden.Nästa steg är att stärka samarbetet mellan fordonsindustrin, energisektorn och beslutsfattare för att påskynda utbyggnaden av vätgasinfrastruktur och förbättra konkurrenskraften för vätgaslastbilar. Introduktionen av vätgaslastbilar kommer att kräva fortsatt stöd från det offentliga liksom andra nya tekniker behövt när dessa introduceras. Projektet har letts av IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet, finansierats av Triple F med medfinansiering i form av in-kind från industriparterna Hydri, Volvo Lastvagnar, Vätgas Sverige, TRB, Maserfrakt och Energigas Sverige. Projektet startades upp i slutet av 2023 och har slutrapporterats i början av 2025.Hydrogen-powered trucks – a key to fossil-free heavy transportThe transport sector is undergoing a major transformation, and hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles could play a crucial role in the transition to emission-free truck transport, particularly in cases where battery technology is less practical. The project "Conditions for Hydrogen-Powered Heavy Transport" has analyzed the opportunities and challenges of introducing hydrogen trucks to the Swedish market.The main objective of the study has been to develop a transparent and credible decision-making basis regarding hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles. Additionally, it has assessed the national hydrogen refueling infrastructure and strategies for hydrogen production for heavy transport.The study shows that hydrogen trucks can significantly reduce climate impact compared to diesel alternatives, especially when the hydrogen is produced using fossil-free electricity. Life cycle analyses indicate that greenhouse gas emissions from hydrogen trucks are between 10–25 percentage of those from equivalent diesel vehicles.The main challenges lie in the expansion of refueling infrastructure and hydrogen production, which require investments and political incentives. Furthermore, vehicle manufacturers need to integrate hydrogen trucks into their model lineups. However, progress is being made in all these areas.The next step is to strengthen collaboration between the automotive industry, the energy sector, and policymakers to accelerate the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure and improve the competitiveness of hydrogen trucks. The introduction of hydrogen trucks will require continued public support, just as other new technologies have needed during their initial rollouts.The project has been led by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, funded by Triple F, with additional in-kind co-financing from industry partners Hydri, Volvo Trucks, Hydrogen Sweden, TRB, Maserfrakt, and Energigas Sverige. The project was initiated at the end of 2023 and was finalized in early 2025.Commissioned by: Lindholmen Science Park AB.</p
SCAIL-Förbränning : Ett screeningverktyg för att bedöma lokal påverkan av utsläpp till luft från små och medelstora förbränningsanläggningar
No full textSCAIL (Simple Calculation of Atmospheric Impact Limits) är ett webbaserat screeningverktyg utvecklat för att undersöka vilken påverkan en viss sorts miljöfarliga verksamheter har på känsliga livsmiljöer samt för de människor som bor och vistas i närheten av verksamheten. Verktyget är från början utvecklat i Storbritannien, där det främst används för att undersöka vilken typ av tillståndsprövning som krävs för små och medelstora förbränningsanläggningar. På uppdrag av Skånes Luftvårdsförbund har IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet utvärderat beräkningsverktyget SCAIL-Förbränning genom en jämförelse med spridnings- och depositionsberäkningar avseende utsläpp till luft utförda med spridningsmodellen ADMS (Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System). Jämförelsen baseras på en känslighetsanalys av hur olika indata i de båda modellverktygen påverkar spridningen av luftföroreningar i närområdet. För att utvärdera SCAIL-Förbränning för svenska förhållanden har utsläpp till luft för en fallstudie beräknats med SCAIL, och sedan har resultaten jämförts med resultat beräknade för samma fallstudie men med spridningsmodellen ADMS. Jämförelsen har begränsats till utsläpp av NOX. Jämförelsen visar att SCAIL-Förbränning kan vara ett användbart verktyg för att göra en första bedömning om en mer detaljerad utredning behövs. Generellt beräknas ett högre haltbidrag med SCAIL än med ADMS, vilket är att föredra för att SCAIL-Förbränning ska kunna användas som ett screeningverktyg då det säkerställer att resultaten inte underskattas. Jämförelsen och utvärderingen av SCAIL-Förbränning är enbart baserad på modellering. För att få en mer komplett utvärdering för svenska förhållanden behöver modellverktyget även utvärderas mot mätningar.Commissioned By: Skånes Luftvårdsförbund.</p
How Sustainable is 100% Renewable? : Towards a Practical Guide for Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Energy Technologies
No full textThis report presents the final phase of the project “Hundred Percent Renewable – How Many Percent Sustainable?”, funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The background to the project is the increased focus on a 100% renewable electricity system in Sweden and Europe, as well as the growing pressure on organizations to understand and influence sustainability impacts across their value chains. The project builds on previous work applying the SDG Impact Assessment Tool and reviewing six major sustainability frameworks relevant to the Swedish context. Insights from earlier parts of the project have informed the design of the tool, which integrates concepts from the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Doughnut Economics, Planetary Boundaries, and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The aim has been to develop user-friendly tool for assessing the sustainability of renewable electricity technologies—specifically solar PV, wind power, and hydropower - in a holistic, actionable, and transparent way. The tool is designed to provide a structured evaluation method for both environmental and socio-economic sustainability risks across the life cycle of renewable energy systems. The methodology divides the energy system into upstream, core, and downstream phases and evaluates 19 sustainability dimensions—8 ecological and 11 social/socio-economic. The resulting Excel-based tool is developed to be easily accessible yet comprehensive in the sense that it enables the user to work through all sustainability dimensions and obtain an overview of necessary next steps in ensuring sustainability in all parts of the value chain. The tool uses a qualitative, matrix-based scoring system that enables users to assess both the risk of negative impacts and their own organizational agency in influencing these outcomes. The report (as well as the tool) includes life cycle overviews, system descriptions and material analyses of renewable electricity technologies, based on literature and life cycle data. Highlighting key materials and possible key sustainability risks such as use of critical raw materials, these overviews are meant to assist the reader/tool user in risk assessment of their specific project. The transition to renewable energy is essential for meeting global climate targets, and technologies like wind, solar and hydro power play a central role in this shift. Yet while the environmental rationale is relatively clear, the social and political dimensions of the transition are equally critical. Expanding renewable power capacity without careful consideration of sustainability impacts across the full life cycle risks replicating the same patterns of exploitation and inequality that define the fossil fuel economy. This underscores the need for robust, transparent assessment tools to guide more just and sustainable energy transitions. The concluding discussion reflects on this and on methodological challenges—such as the limited availability of social LCAs—and the potential for future improvements, including broader application of multi-criteria decision analysis. The tool is intended to complement, not replace, existing assessment methods and to support a more holistic decision-making process in the energy transition which still allows for a prioritization of action in the sustainability endeavors of organizations across the energy sector
Moving towards sustainable artificial turf pitches : Current status and knowledge gaps
No full textArtificial turf pitches (ATPs) provide year-round access to grassroots sports in the Nordics. However, synthetic infill from ATPs are estimated to be amongst the largest sources of intentional microplastics in the Nordics. In September 2023, the EU adopted a ban, which bans the sale of loose infill containing microplastics in ATPs starting October 2031. Which ban-compliant alternative ATP systems are optimal for use in the Nordics now needs to be determined. The Nordic Council has therefor commissioned this preparatory project to provide a basis for a larger project to find optimal whole ATP systems without rubber or plastic infill that are functional, environmentally friendly, and cost effective for children’s, youth, and grassroots sports. The aim of this project was to summarize existing knowledge and identify knowledge gaps within the following topics: * Existing systems used in the Nordics * Type of systems best suited for Nordic conditions and use * Operation, maintenance and best practices to accommodate Nordic conditions * Life cycle analysis (LCA) for environmental impacts of the various systems * Life cycle cost (LCC) estimates of the various sport surface systems * Easily available existing knowledge about the health effects of the various systems. Information was collected both from the literature (primary and grey) and from stakeholders, which included representatives from municipalities, football associations/clubs, manufacturers, and waste management companies, via surveys, interviews, and a digital workshop. Only 1-15% of current ATPs in each Nordic country currently consist of alternative non-rubber/plastic systems. Both the literature and stakeholders indicate a current lack of testing and experience with alternatives, as many alternative systems have only been in use for a short period of time. Stakeholders indicated that no current alternatives are comparable in performance to styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) infill. In addition, most if not all alternatives are prone to freezing in cold temperatures. It was pointed out that even within the Nordics, conditions vary and may require different alternatives in different locations. Cork was identified as the most comparable alternative in terms of function to SBR infill, both by the literature and by most stakeholders. Several people mentioned that cork works well in the summer but can freeze in winter. Although infill-free ATPs are attractive in that they remove the need for infill altogether and may have reduced maintenance requirements, it is unclear if they provide sufficient performance or function well in winter. However, some stakeholders indicated that they believe infill-free systems will likely become as good as other alternative infill systems due to product development. However, other stakeholders indicated infill-free ATPs do not work well. Explanations included reduced lifetimes due to faster deterioration and wear, need for increased fiber density (more plastic), and reduced performance (lower player satisfaction and skin abrasion). Both the literature and stakeholders have also raised the concern that non-infill ATPs could potentially release more microplastics originating from grass fibers than traditional ATPs; however, this is uncertain. In terms of assessing and developing optimal alternative ATPs, both the literature and stakeholders underscored the need to consider the ATP system as a whole. Attention is often focused solely upon the infill, but it has been shown that other components are particularly important for maintaining adequate function in alternative systems. For example, a good shock-dampening layer has been shown to maintain good function when alternative infills are used in place of SBR infill. Maintenance and end-of-life procedures for alternative systems are lacking. This was clear from both the literature and stakeholders. This is likely in large part due to limited long-term experience with alternative ATPs. The Norwegian pilot study, KG2021, suggests that there is less needed operation and maintenance with alternative infill compared to SBR infill, in part due to reduced refilling costs, and the perception that infill stays put to a greater extent. But this could also be due to the use of higher grass fiber density carpets in the pilots tested. Notably, infill-free ATPs are likely easier to recycle since they contain fewer material types (yle, 2024), but in general end-of-life procedures are unclear. It is also often mentioned that bio-based infills have potential for material breakdown and insects but this has not been assessed. Generally, the literature mentions the following three main areas of concern regarding the environmental impacts of ATPs: microplastics, climate change, and chemicals. While alternative ATPs aim to address microplastic concerns associated with traditional infill systems, their overall environmental impacts are not yet well understood. Results from the review of the LCA literature shows that there is no agreement among the studies on which alternative infill is preferable from an environmental perspective. However, this is likely due to a lack of consensus on how artificial turf LCAs should be performed. The newly released PEFCR (ESTC, 2024) might solve this problem in the near future. The PEFCR follows the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method and defines how to perform consistent LCAs of ATPs. This should facilitate comparable LCA studies, which will allow more transparent and standardized assessment of alternative ATPs. The full costs of different alternatives remain unclear as alternative systems are relatively new and have therefor only been in use for relatively short periods of time. The literature indicated that costs of alternative ATPs can vary significantly depending on the quality of materials, the type of infill, the presence of a shock-absorbing layer, installation requirements, and regional market conditions. Oslo Economics 2023 estimated investment costs for SBR infill ATPs between NOK 2.5 and 3.5 million compared to estimated investment costs for olive, cork/coconut, or no infill alternatives between NOK 3.5 to 7 million. In addition, maintenance and operations costs vary. A stakeholder mentioned that although non-infill systems are more expensive to buy, over time they end up the most cost-effective due to lower maintenance costs, zero infill costs, and cheaper recycling. There were few results from the limited LCC literature available. Stakeholder surveys indicated that many respondents consider different alternatives to be similar in cost and maintenance, although more expensive than traditional SBR ATPs. Notably, another challenge that became clear from the workshop, is that ATPs develop/change rapidly, and so results from longer studies assessing different specific ATP systems, can quickly become obsolete. However, for the same reason, much of the data used today regarding ATPs needs to be updated. In conclusion, the project identified the following as the main knowledge gaps regarding alternative ATPs. * Function: Performance comparison of current alternative ATPs * Cost: Life Cycle Cost (LCC) comparison of alternative ATPs * Environmental impact: Comparable life cycle analysis (LCA) comparison of alternative ATPs * Lifetime: comparison of how long different alternative ATPs last * Maintenance: optimized methods and guidelines for different alternative ATPs * End-of-life processes: information of current processes and development of safe and sustainable processes * Health (human and environmental): determine if alternative ATP materials contain properties or substances that pose a health risk to humans or the environment incl. possible microplastic releas