Material flow analysis of forest biomass in Portugal to support a circular bioeconomy

A comprehensive understanding of how resources are utilized is required to support a circular bioeconomy. This article presents the first systematic assessment forest biomass flows and stocks in Portugal analyzes circularity resource efficiency through set indicators, while providing recommendations for their use improvement different contexts. Material Flow Analysis was developed 2015, including paper, wood panels, furniture, carpentry, packaging, other woodwork, energy (firewood, pellets, charcoal, electricity, heat), addressing uncertainty. flow analysis indicators (e.g., domestic material consumption) circularity/resource (cascade factor, indicator, recycled input, recovery rate) were assessed. In 49% used 51% production. The sector heterogeneous regarding circularity. Paper packaging most products (highest indicator: 0.49 rate: 54%), panels industrial residues cascade factor: 3.78). analyzed provided complementary circularity, giving both system wide factor) sector- input rate, or product-based (material indicator) views. Cascade factor permits an whole separate sectors, post-consumer residues, use. indicator considers closed- open-loop recycling being factor. Indicators perspectives important capture multiple types valorization within bioeconomy system.