Combinations of material flow analysis and life cycle assessment and their applicability to assess circular economy requirements in EU product regulations. A systematic literature review

Abstract

We conducted a systematic literature review of 44 prospective studies that apply the combination of material flow analysis and life cycle assessment. Our study investigates the characteristics of existing combinations and their applicability to policy impact assessments using the example of the EU Ecodesign Directive. Along with the increasing number of such publications in recent years, there is great variation in the type of modelling, spatial and temporal scope, study area and additional characteristics. Studies range from sequential analysis to integrated one-software modelling, and from considering only dynamic material flows to utilising dynamic life cycle inventory data. Most studies conduct country-scale analysis and the combination is applied across economic sectors. Combining material flow analysis and life cycle assessment approaches has high potential for assessing the long-term environmental implications of circular economy policy measures. Our review revealed a diverse landscape of existing studies and highlighted the integrated modelling of material flow analysis and life cycle assessment as a holistic and flexible approach with suitable characteristics for assessing circular economy measures under the ecodesign framework.