SCREEN-LCA: Ex-ante prioritization of bio-based pathways for chemicals and plastics under a climate-mitigation objective
Abstract
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key tool for guiding circular bioeconomy strategies, including the substitution of fossil carbon with bioresources. However, its data-and time-intensive nature can hinder its use when there are numerous candidate pathways, particularly in the chemical sector. Here, we developed SCREEN-LCA, a stepwise ex-ante framework designed to prioritize case studies before conducting full LCA. The framework combines: (i) sector-level impact estimation; (ii) identification of hotspot products within targeted sectors; (iii) mapping of corresponding alternative bio-based pathways; and (iv) pathway prioritization based on multiple criteria. We applied SCREEN-LCA in a France-oriented demonstration to prioritize residual-biomass-based pathways for subsequent LCA. The greenhouse gas footprint of incumbent petrochemicals and plastics, feedstock compatibility, and technological maturity were used as screening criteria. An extensive graph database covering 50 hotspot products and their alternative bio-based routes was assembled. Ethylene, propylene, methanol, and PET emerged as priorities with promising bio-based alternatives.
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BibTeX
@article{lienart2026screenlca,
title = {{SCREEN-LCA: Ex-ante prioritization of bio-based pathways for chemicals and plastics under a climate-mitigation objective}},
author = {Nicolas Lienart and Thibaut Lecompte and Lorie Hamelin},
journal = {Resources, Conservation and Recycling},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.resconrec.2026.109198},
url = {https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05804741v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - SCREEN-LCA: Ex-ante prioritization of bio-based pathways for chemicals and plastics under a climate-mitigation objective
AU - Nicolas Lienart
AU - Thibaut Lecompte
AU - Lorie Hamelin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - Resources, Conservation and Recycling
DO - 10.1016/j.resconrec.2026.109198
UR - https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05804741v1
AB - Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key tool for guiding circular bioeconomy strategies, including the substitution of fossil carbon with bioresources. However, its data-and time-intensive nature can hinder its use when there are numerous candidate pathways, particularly in the chemical sector. Here, we developed SCREEN-LCA, a stepwise ex-ante framework designed to prioritize case studies before conducting full LCA. The framework combines: (i) sector-level impact estimation; (ii) identification of hotspot products within targeted sectors; (iii) mapping of corresponding alternative bio-based pathways; and (iv) pathway prioritization based on multiple criteria. We applied SCREEN-LCA in a France-oriented demonstration to prioritize residual-biomass-based pathways for subsequent LCA. The greenhouse gas footprint of incumbent petrochemicals and plastics, feedstock compatibility, and technological maturity were used as screening criteria. An extensive graph database covering 50 hotspot products and their alternative bio-based routes was assembled. Ethylene, propylene, methanol, and PET emerged as priorities with promising bio-based alternatives.
SN - 0921-3449
ER -