A Systematic LCA-enhanced KPI Evaluation towards Sustainable Manufacturing in Industrial Decision-making Processes. A Case Study in Glass and Ceramic Frits Production

Technologies are difficult to assess in an early stage of development. A comparison between innovative and conventional technologies is often complex due to differences in scale (large-scale with several 100 t/d vs. demonstrator-scale with less than 100 kg/d) and subsequent efficiency. A methodology is implemented using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) enhanced by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) aspects and incorporating industrial principles for technology assessment. The methodology is applied to identify the trade-off between direct and indirect emissions and to evaluate scale dependency with focus on energy and broader sustainability. The applicability is illustrated for glass and ceramic frits production and supported by experimental data for conventionally and innovatively heated processes.