The Application of Circular Footprint Formula in Bioenergy/Bioeconomy: Challenges, Case Study, and Comparison with Life Cycle Assessment Allocation Methods

Allocation methodological choices in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a relevant issue for the Circular Bioeconomy context. The recent Product Environmental Footprint Guide from European Commission includes Formula (CFF) as new way to deal with energy recovery/recycling processes. This paper investigated CFF vs. other different LCA allocation methods Brazilian briquette production. A cradle-to-gate study was conducted considering 1 MJ of recovered and dedicated Eucalyptus Global Warming Potential (GWP) Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) were selected impact categories evaluate choice that influences potential impacts. results compared regarding four methods. wood biomass supply scenario achieved up 4.3 kg CO2-eq. GWP 0.0272 MJ-eq. CED. recovery presented burdens reduction by 206% GWP, however 492% increase CED results. provided lowest both categories. However, method still doesn’t address particular aspects circular bioenergy systems. Biomass require further adjustments focusing on biochemical flows calculation procedure lead development innovative business models.