**Figure 5.**

*A fragment of material-energy balance (the Sankey chart).*

*Life Cycle Assessment as a Tool to Implement Sustainable Development in the Bioeconomy… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84664*

Considering the aim and extent of the analysis in question, the hierarchist variant was chosen, in view of the balanced time perspective, taking into account both long- and short-term perspectives.

The results of LCIA analysis are illustrated in **Figures 4** and **5**.

As it can be inferred from **Figure 4**, the largest environmental burden is linked with using diesel oil (DO) in electricity generators. Diesel oil combustion causes an increased emission of dust and greenhouse gases to the air that has consequences on increased global warming, ozone layer depletion, water eutrophication, acidification of the environment and increased dust pollution. The impact on water resources of Ecofrag technology is high, but the impact is reduced by the recirculation of water in the installation.

The use of net power generates a significantly lower environmental effect. It should be emphasized that the technology examined has a net positive effect on the environment owing to the application of waste materials as substrates. Recirculation of used PU foam and mattresses contributes to avoidance of emission and generation of waste involved with their target production. Such results have been confirmed by the fragment of the material-energy balance. The Sankey chart is presented taking into account processes/factors, whose impact is not lower than 0.56%.

In **Figure 6**, the results of LCA are given regarding the endpoints such as human health, ecosystem quality and depletion of natural resources, within the framework of the ReCiPe method applied. From the figure, it can be seen that the highest negative load is ascribed to the point 'nonrenewable resources'. This is closely related to the use of diesel oil (as a fossil energy carrier) for generating electricity necessary in the cutting process. On the other hand, a definitely positive impact is observed on human health and the quality of the ecosystem. This result is dictated by the application of Ecofrag technology for waste raw materials.

**Figure 6.**

*The results of environmental life cycle assessment in relation to end-points within the framework of ReCiPe 2016 method.*

*Elements of Bioeconomy*

can avoid future damages.

often considered to be the default model.

in future.

Each method (mid-point, endpoint) contains factors according to the three cultural perspectives. These perspectives represent a set of choices on issues like time or expectations that proper management or future technology development

• Individualist: short term, optimism that technology can avoid many problems

• Hierarchist: consensus model, as often encountered in scientific models, this is

• Egalitarian: long term based on precautionary principle thinking.

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**Figure 5.**

*A fragment of material-energy balance (the Sankey chart).*

#### *Elements of Bioeconomy*

Based on the results obtained, it has been demonstrated that material recycling brings numerous environmental benefits. This is mainly due to the reduction of environmental burdens associated with the intentional production of foam and mattresses, which has an impact on negative indicators of fossil raw materials consumption and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
