A Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment and FMEA Framework for Sustainable Risk Evaluation in Wood Veneer Manufacturing

This study evaluates the environmental impacts of wood veneer manufacturing and identifies opportunities for sustainable process improvements. It bridges the gap between environmental assessment and operational risk management by integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) in the wood processing sector, advancing beyond earlier partial integrations in other industries. The research applies LCA to quantify environmental impacts and FMEA to assess production risks across key stages, using a case study of veneer production from raw material processing to packaging. Findings reveal that drying and peeling stages contribute over 60% of global warming potential due to high energy use and biomass combustion. Operational analysis highlights failure modes in these stages that intensify both environmental and cost impacts. Unlike past studies that addressed sustainability and risk separately, this research shows how circular economy strategies (e.g., waste-to-energy, emission controls) can be prioritized through LCA-FMEA outputs, offering a replicable framework for industrial decarbonization. The results offer manufacturers practical guidance for implementing sustainable practices that align environmental and operational goals, while emphasizing the need for future research on sector-specific adaptation and long-term impact tracking.