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Integration of Circular Systemic Solutions for Wood and Plastic Waste Valorisation in the Production of Insulation Materials: An Environmental/Sustainability Assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Chrysa Politi

    (School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • Vittoria Benedetti

    (Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy)

  • Xenia Chaidemenou

    (School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • Francesco Patuzzi

    (Faculty of Engineering, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Via B. Buozzi 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Marco Baratieri

    (Faculty of Engineering, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Via B. Buozzi 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Kamil Maszczyk

    (K-FLEX POLSKA Sp. z o.o., Potasowa 6, 81-154 Gdynia, Poland)

  • Mateusz Imiela

    (K-FLEX POLSKA Sp. z o.o., Potasowa 6, 81-154 Gdynia, Poland
    Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 16, 90-537 Lodz, Poland)

  • Antonis Peppas

    (School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

This study presents an environmental and circularity assessment of an integrated insulation-production system that valorises plastic waste and wood packaging waste as secondary material and energy resources. The analysis evaluates the recovery of incoming waste streams and their reintegration into a new production cycle, while the downstream end-of-life of the resulting insulation product remains outside the assessed system boundary. The process chain includes mechanical pre-treatment of wood (grinding, metal separation, and pelletising); thermochemical conversion via wood gasification and gas combustion; and post-combustion CO 2 capture. The captured CO 2 is used in the subsequent polymer processing stages, which comprise mixing, extrusion, thermal treatment, and cooling. Environmental impacts are evaluated through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), while circularity indicators are assessed within the framework of EN 15804+A2. The results demonstrate the environmental and circularity potential of valorising wood packaging and plastic waste in the context of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and sustainable material development.

Suggested Citation

  • Chrysa Politi & Vittoria Benedetti & Xenia Chaidemenou & Francesco Patuzzi & Marco Baratieri & Kamil Maszczyk & Mateusz Imiela & Antonis Peppas, 2026. "Integration of Circular Systemic Solutions for Wood and Plastic Waste Valorisation in the Production of Insulation Materials: An Environmental/Sustainability Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:13:p:6903-:d:1985279
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