A Circular Life Cycle Approach to Wood Products: Producer and Consumer Responsibility as a Tool for Sustainability (KRUG–wood)

Basic Information

Acronym: KRUG–wood
Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Ivana Perić
Duration: 36 months (2025–2028)
Project code: IP.1.1.03.0059
Funding: Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds of the Republic of Croatia
Institutional role (FŠDT): partner
Funding amount (FŠDT): EUR 101,023.25

About the Project

The KRUG–wood project focuses on developing a circular life-cycle model for wood products based on extended producer responsibility (EPR) and active consumer involvement.

Although the wood industry relies on renewable resources, it faces challenges such as short product lifespans, inefficient use, and limited responsibility within the value chain. The project addresses these issues by improving sustainable product management across all life-cycle stages—from design and production to use, reuse, recycling, and disposal.

The research includes analysis of legislation and policies, assessment of EPR implementation, environmental impact analysis using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and the study of consumer behavior. Based on the results, a simulation model of the circular system will be developed using AnyLogic, supported by digital tools and 3D scanning. The project contributes to the sustainable transition of the wood sector.

Objectives

The main objective is to develop a model for sustainable wood product management by analyzing interactions between producers, consumers, and institutions.

Specific objectives include:

analysis of the legislative framework and EPR
assessment of implementation barriers and capacities
environmental impact analysis (LCA)
research on consumer behavior
development of a simulation model

Project Team

Assoc. Prof. Ivana Perić, Assoc. Prof. Andreja Pirc Barčić, Prof. Darko Motik, Assoc. Prof. Kristina Klarić, Prof. Denis Jelačić, Assoc. Prof. Krešimir Greger, Karla Vukman, MEng, Assist. Prof. Petra Grošelj, Prof. Manja Kitek Kuzman.

Activities and Results

The project includes interdisciplinary research, LCA analyses, development of a simulation model, and dissemination through scientific publications, international conferences, and collaboration with industry.

Publications

https://www.croris.hr/projekti/projekt/17634

Keywords

wood technology; circular economy; extended producer responsibility (EPR); cascading use of wood; sustainability