The Role of Life Cycle Assessment in Supporting the Market Uptake of Forest Products: The Case of Wooden Pallets

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is increasingly used to evaluate the environmental performance of forest products, yet its role in market uptake remains less explored. This study investigates how LCA can support the market uptake of custom one-way wooden pallets by combining a cradle-to-grave climate-change assessment with qualitative evidence from Italian manufacturers. Two production configurations—with and without an integrated sawmill—were analysed. Results showed that the integrated sawmill scenario achieved lower fossil greenhouse gas emissions due to reduced upstream burdens and shorter transport distances. However, total climate change impacts were strongly influenced by biogenic carbon accounting and end-of-life assumptions. Semi-structured interviews revealed that while LCA data are not yet systematic purchasing requirements and do not generate a direct price premium, they support product differentiation, customer engagement, ESG reporting, Scope 3 accounting, and supply-chain transparency. The findings suggest that LCA contributes to market uptake when environmental results are translated into clear, actionable information for industrial customers.