End-of-Life Scenarios for Mass Timber: Assumptions, Limitations and Potentials—A Literature Review

This paper presents a literature review exploring the end-of-life (EoL) scenarios for mass timber, focusing on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and circular principles. Despite its claimed environmental benefits, significant gaps exist in standardising LCA methodologies, including inconsistent system boundaries, challenges with time-dependent emissions, and limited integration of circular strategies. The literature review evaluates four primary EoL scenarios: reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and landfill. Reuse is identified as the most sustainable option, extending material lifespans and minimising environmental impacts, followed by recycling. Energy recovery is considered a fallback, while landfill remains the least desirable. Design for Disassembly and Reuse (DfD&R) is highlighted as critical for promoting circularity, though economic, market, and regulatory barriers hinder widespread adoption. The conclusion of this literature review calls for several thematic topics including harmonised LCA practices, policy reforms, and industry awareness to optimise EoL strategies for mass timber. By addressing these challenges, the building sector can better align with circular economy goals, reducing environmental burdens and supporting global climate targets.