European Market Research Articles

Reference Materials for Thermal Conductivity Measurements: European Situation

A reference material (RM), as defined by the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM 2012), must be homogeneous, stable, and suitable for use in measurements. Certified reference materials (CRMs) are RMs with documented property values, uncertainties, and traceability. ISO 17034:2018 outlines the requirements for RM producers, ensuring that CRMs meet standards for stability, uniformity, and reproducibility. In Europe, CE marking, from French “conformité Européenne”, which means European conformity, has been mandatory for thermal insulation products since 2002, ensuring their thermal performance is verified by accredited laboratories using RMs like IRMM440 and ERM FC440. Annually, European manufacturers produce over 200 million cubic meters of thermal insulation, necessitating thousands of thermal conductivity measurements daily to maintain CE marking compliance. Key characteristics of Reference Materials include long-term stability, thermal conductivity within specified ranges, and minimal dependence on density, thickness, and applied load. Sample thickness must conform to apparatus specifications, and homogeneity must be quantified. Reference Materials must also have appropriate dimensions, surface smoothness, and manufacturability. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) Geel has produced two Reference Materials, IRMM 440 and ERM FC 440, with specific characteristics to meet these requirements. Both are glass wool fibers with low thermal conductivity and specific density and thickness. The qualification of RMs involves inter-laboratory comparisons to ensure the accuracy and traceability of thermal conductivity measurements. The European market’s organization, including the use of Reference Materials and CE marking, has significantly improved measurement consistency and product quality. This system has led to lower uncertainties in thermal conductivity measurements compared to North America, highlighting the impact of standardized RMs on industry practices. Future needs include developing RMs with lower conductivity and increased thickness to accommodate market trends towards super insulation materials and bio-based components, enhancing energy performance calculations for buildings. This paper will present the process of defining a reference material and how it affects the uncertainty level of the calculation of building energy performance. This level depends on the characteristics of the materials used, their implementation, and external factors, such as the weather, as well as the reference material used for calibration of all European thermal conductivity measurement devices.

Carbon emission allowances and Nordic electricity markets: Linkages and hedging analysis

Unlike previous studies which tend to consider only return linkages between European emission allowances and electricity markets, this paper examines return and volatility linkages between the two markets and importantly conducts a hedging analysis. Using a dynamic conditional correlation model and daily price data covering European emission allowances and Nord Pool electricity markets from 28th January 2009 to 22th February 2022, which comprise the second and third phases of the European emission allowances trading system, the main results are summarized as follows: Firstly, volatility and returns flow from the Nordic electricity market to the European emission market, with no evidence of a feedback effect, suggesting that rapid changes in demand for electricity may have forced producers to ramp up carbon-intensive facilities. Secondly, the conditional dynamic correlation between the two markets is weak but varies with time, and its sensitivity to crisis periods is noted. Thirdly, the hedging analysis indicates that Nordic electricity market participants can lower their downside risk by including carbon emission allowances in their portfolios, as evidenced by the effectiveness of hedging returns of the Nordic electricity markets with European allowances, irrespective of the COVID-19 sub-periods.

Overview of 37 Tear Substitutes in Europe Based on Various Physicochemical Parameters.

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most prevalent eye conditions worldwide, with artificial tears serving as a primary treatment option. Despite their wide availability on the European market, there is a lack of established classifications based on their physicochemical properties. The aim of our study was therefore (i) to develop an analytical method that measures the concentration and the molecular weight (MW) of the hyaluronic acid (HA) in commercialized products, and (ii) to propose an overview based on their various physicochemical parameters. The intrinsic viscosity and MW of the HA, as well as osmolarity, pH, rheological profile, and viscosity, were measured or determined. A specific method was developed to measure the average intrinsic viscosity and HA content using a liquid size-exclusion chromatography system. The MW was determined using the Mark-Houwink equation. Thirty-seven products commercialized in Europe were analyzed, with 21 of them containing HA. The HA MW was lowest (300kDa) for Thealose®, Thealoz Duo® Gel, and Hyabak®, and highest (1300kDa) for Vismed® Multi, Vismed® Gel, and Neovis® Gel. The pH values varied between 5.94 for Treovis® and 8.06 for Systane® Ultra. Osmolarity ranged between 148 mOsm/L and 325 mOsm/L for Neovis® and Treovis®, respectively. Viscosity was highly variable, ranging from 0.38 mPas·s for Hylolipid® to 337.47 mPas·s for Thealoz® Duo Gel. Finally, rheological profile analysis revealed different shear-thinning behaviors. While the perfect eye drop does not exist, a multitude of options are available to choose from. This study improves our understanding of the major tear substitutes available on the European market based on several physicochemical properties. A better understanding and awareness of these parameters is crucial in order to offer the best treatment for patients with DED.

Impact of Climate Risk on Stock Market

This study provides an in-depth look at the intricate interplay between climate risk and its repercussions on the stock market, analyzing in detail the differences across markets and time intervals. The study reveals a notable correlation between climate risk and the stock market and that there are some variations in this relationship. Specifically, the U.S. market is more sensitive to climate risk, while the European market is relatively less so. In addition, the COVID-19 has a short-term impact. This study summarizes and generalizes the literature of the last three years and employs a variety of descriptive methods in order to reveal the intrinsic link between the two. The findings provide a crucial reference for investors and policy makers to gain a more nuanced comprehension of the ramifications of climate risk on equity markets. Subsequent investigations could go deeper into the relationship between climate risk on other financial markets (e.g., bond markets) and the differences in response to climate risk across different climate sectors.

Framework for multivariate carbon price forecasting: A novel hybrid model

The complex characteristics of volatility and non-linearity of carbon price pose a serious challenge to accurately predict carbon price. Therefore, this study proposes a new hybrid model for multivariate carbon price forecasting, including feature selection, deep learning, intelligent optimization algorithms, model combination and evaluation indicators. First, this study collects and organizes the historical carbon price series of Hubei and Shanghai as well as the influencing factors in five dimensions including structured and unstructured data, totaling twenty variables. Second, data dimensionality reduction is performed and input variables are obtained using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, followed by the introduction of nine advanced deep learning models to predict carbon price and compare the prediction effects. Then, through the combination of models, three models with the best performance are combined with Pelican optimization algorithm to construct a hybrid forecasting model. Finally, the experimental results show that the developed forecasting model outperforms other comparation models in terms of prediction accuracy, stability and statistical hypothesis testing, and exhibits excellent prediction performance. Furthermore, this study also applies the developed model to European carbon market price prediction and uses the Hubei carbon market as an example for quantitative trading simulation, and the empirical results further verify its robust prediction performance and investment application value. In conclusion, the proposed hybrid prediction model can not only provide high-precision carbon market price prediction for the government and corporate decision makers, but also help investors optimize their trading strategies and improve their returns.

Minimizing sweet cherry fruit losses during storage under the influence of hydrocooling and protective organic composition

Reducing fruit losses is one of the most important strategies for improving diets and strengthening food systems. Therefore, improving modern technologies for storing sweet cherries, assessing the potential of the necessary capacities and technologies for fruit storage to reduce post-harvest losses and extend the shelf life of fruits remains relevant. Improvement of pre-cooling methods optimize the shelf life of fresh fruit and contributes to the growth of demand for fruit by consumers in the European market. The object of the study is the technology of pretreatment of sweet cherry fruits using an organic composition. The fruits of the model variety Valerii Chkalov were used as experimental material. The minimum natural losses from microbiological diseases and physiological disorders were recorded on the 40th day of sweet cherry fruit storage. Fruit weight losses during storage of sweet cherries of the Valerii Chkalov variety were minimal when hydro cooling was applied in combination with a protective organic composition of lactic and acetic acid (1.75 %:2.00 %). The optimum concentration of lactic and acetic acids (2.00 %:1.75 %) was determined, which ensures minimal daily fruit losses (0.068 %) under the influence of hydro-cooling during storage of sweet cherries. The analysis of the regression model reveled the optimal value of the average level of daily losses during storage of sweet cherry fruit of Valerii Chkalov variety – 0.0642 % at concentrations of lactic and acetic acid 2.161 % to 1.705 %, respectively. The tendency to minimize sweet cherry fruit losses during storage under the influence of hydrocooling and the optimal concentration of organic acids in the protective composition was identified. The results could be used to improve pre-cooling methods in the food industry to preserve the quality of fruit raw materials in a waste-free fruit supply chain for all relevant stakeholders

Minimisation of losses of consumer quality during storage of cherry fruits under the influence of hydrocooling and protective composition

The need for consumption of fruit products, in particular sweet cherries and cherries, is growing every year in Ukraine. This is driven by national traditions, stakeholder needs, and the population's demand for healthy eating. Cherries are a nutritious fruit that contains such functional ingredients as essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, etc. Unfortunately, in terms of long-term storage, cherries quickly lose their quality and have a short harvest and processing period. To increase the shelf life of products, it is advisable to develop and improve methods of storage and processing of cherries. Optimisation of chilling methods for cherries before storage increases the shelf life of fresh fruit and the suitability for fresh consumption. Improving the methods of chilling cherries will help to increase the demand for its fruits by all stakeholders in the European market. The aim of the research was to establish the optimal concentration of acetic and lactic organic acids, which are included in the protective composition for processing cherry fruits, and to determine the level of daily losses of cherry fruits during hydrocooling while maintaining the global optimum point. To establish an effective cooling method, fruit losses caused by diseases of microbiological origin and physiological disorders were determined. During storage, the effect of the concentrations of the protective composition on the indicators of weight loss and the average level of daily fruit loss was studied. A regression model was built and the optimal values of the indicators were determined by stages: a regression model was built on the basis of experimental data and the global optimum point was determined on the basis of the model and a confidence interval for the optimum was built. According to the results of the research, the lowest rate of daily fruit losses at the level of 0,117%-0,121% was recorded during hydrocooling of cherry fruits using organic compositions of lactic and acetic acids in the ratio of their components of 1,25-2,25:1,50-2,25 and 1,75-2,25% with the amount of acetic acid at 1,25%, respectively. The regression analysis showed the optimal value of the average level of daily losses during storage of cherry fruits of the model variety ‘Vstrecha’ – 0,106% at the value of factors x1=2,217 and x2=1,966.

How does standardization affect OTC markets in the long term? Evidence from the small bang reform in the CDS market

Focusing on the most liquid segment of the European CDS market, this paper studies the impact of a key standardization reform, known as the CDS Small Bang. We document that the reform provided unexpected long-term consequences. Particularly, we show that the introduction of an upfront fee to standardize the cash flow of CDS contracts created an initial capital cost for traders, which acts as a friction that increases CDS prices. This relation holds after accounting for well-known determinants of spreads, suggesting a separate funding channel driven by the greater capital intensity of trading. This effect grows in magnitude for several years following the implementation of the reform, becomes stronger when dealers are likely to bear the initial capital cost and is present across all industries, except for swaps written on financials shortly after the reform was introduced.

Сучасні аналітичні інструменти відповідального ведення бізнесу та впровадження стандартів єс для сталого розвитку в агропродовольчому секторі

Directions for ensuring the agricultural sector’s functioning in full-scale war conditions require modern analytical tools. They should be aimed at preserving the chain’s efficiency: “production – processing – storage – supply of food products to the population”. In the conditions of post-war recovery, by EU requirements, it is necessary to provide a digital platform for business analytics and subsequently diversify the development of agricultural production based on sustainable development, environmental friendliness, and circularity, increase the capitalization and investment attractiveness of enterprises, the formation of competitive market institutions, which will involve increasing the efficiency of agricultural production management of resources, strengthening of food security of the state, development of multi-organization, increase of export of goods with higher added value, provision of comfortable living conditions in the countryside. The significance of implementing the EU directive on the proper verification of the sustainable development of agricultural and food enterprises, considering environmental and social standards, cannot be overstated. This directive provides a framework for due Diligence tools, which are crucial for checking the economic activity of a food company and stages of Due Diligence diagnostics, measures for assessing the business reputation of a food company. In the work, a thorough analysis and assessment of the risks that arose during the martial law in Ukraine was carried out, an example of a Due Diligence B2B case is given – the merger of agro-food companies in the agricultural sector. The components of technical, commercial, operational and ESG verification, risk management components, business reputation assessment and predictive modeling of possible future scenarios and financial support and their reflection in the annual sustainable development report are covered. The introduction of the EU Directive on due diligence of the sustainable development of enterprises (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) creates new challenges and opportunities for Ukrainian agri-food companies. To maintain access to the European market and strengthen business reputation, enterprises must implement sustainable development strategies that must meet environmental standards and respect human rights. This will contribute to strengthening their positions in the international arena and increasing competitiveness. Keywords: agro-food sector, sustainable development reporting, European standards, Due Diligence, post-war recovery, environmental standards, social standards, investment attractiveness, risks, business reputation, business analytics.

Assessing the readiness of Greek municipalities to manage bioplastics in municipal waste management streams

Each year citizens of the European Union (EU) generate 2.5 billion tonnes of waste; equating to five tonnes of waste per person per year. To ensure optimal material recovery, and to support the move towards a circular economy, proper separate collection of waste is necessary. The current trend of increasing collection rates, encouraged by EU legislation, is promising; however, progress is uneven both across and within EU member states. While European and national targets provide the overarching driver for better waste collection, regional and local implementation is crucial for achieving continued progress. Therefore, it is vital to consider the disparity among the different EU countries when introducing new materials, such as bioplastics (bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics), into current national waste management streams, and any new introductions should be carefully evaluated before further actions are recommended by local authorities. As a member state that is heavily reliant on tourism, proper solid waste management is of vital importance in Greece, especially during the peak summer season. Considering the rapid expansion of bioplastics in the European market, it is important to assess the readiness of municipalities in Greece to manage this new category of solid waste. Data collected from 51 Greek municipalities via questionnaire (distributed to public authorities or waste management companies) showed that the current situation and capacities for adapting waste management streams to process bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics is still limited in Greece. Therefore, the readiness of Greece to process an increasing proportion of bioplastics within the waste stream (using the current waste management systems) is very low, as a result, such innovative materials are currently seen more as a problem than a ready-to-implement solution.

Cologne ergonomic measurement for robotic surgery (CEMRobSurg) using the Hugo™ RAS System.

The ergonomic advantages and potential challenges that robotic surgery poses to the well-being of surgeons are mainly unexplored. The most recent surgical robot introduced on the European market is the Hugo™ RAS System by Medtronic. This study aims to evaluate the ergonomic benefits of the Hugo™ RAS System, which is available in our training laboratory, CeMIT (Center for Medical Innovation and Technology Cologne). Using the previously established Cologne Ergonomic Measurement Setup for Robotic Surgery (CEMRobSurg), we measured three parameters related to ergonomic posture from subjects with different levels of surgical expertise (laypeople, medical students, surgical residents, and expert robotic surgeons). The heart rate was measured continuously using a polar band. The noise level was measured while using the Hugo™ RAS System, and automated photographs using our locally developed methodology were captured of the participant every 2s to assess body posture. The ergonomic measurements were conducted while the subject performed the same standardized robotic training exercises (Peg Board, Rope Walk, and Ring Walk). A total of 53 participants were enrolled in this study. The average noise level during all measurements was 54.87 dB. The highest stress level was measured in surgical residents with a sympathetic nervous system index (SNS index) of 1.15 (min - 1.43, max 3.56). The lowest stress level was measured in robotic experts with an SNS index of 0.23 (min - 0.18, max 0.91). We observed a risk-prone positioning of the neck and elbow in medical students (mean 39.6° and 129.48°, respectively). Robotic experts showed a risk positioning in the knee and hip region (mean 107.89° and 90.31°, respectively). This is the first study to analyze and objectify the ergonomic posture of medical students, surgical trainees, surgeons, and laypeople using the open console, modular Hugo™ RAS System. Our findings offer recommendations for operating surgeons and allow for a comparative analysis between the different robotic systems. Further evaluations in real-time operative scenarios will follow.

Temporal dynamics of interactions in European Administrative Networks: The case of SOLVIT

This article provides an analysis of the temporal development of interactions within SOLVIT, the European Union's problem-solving internal market network. Adopting an agency-based, rationalist approach, we hypothesize that temporal development depends on cross-border interdependence, institutional homogeneity, SOLVIT centre caseload and Brexit. Testing these hypotheses, we control for members’ resources, perceptions of SOLVIT and endogenous network dynamics. The ensuing model is tested using stochastic actor-oriented models on interactions in 2011 and 2018, thus yielding a panel-data analysis. Our main finding is that SOLVIT interactions are remarkably stable over time. This is mostly due to the strong effect of interdependence, which is rather constant over time. Strikingly, we find no effect for institutional homogeneity, case load and Brexit. In sum, our analysis reveals that European Administrative Networks can develop into stable patterns of interactions, driven by rather structural features of interdependence.

Impact of different CO2 price paths on the development of the European electricity system

In energy system transformation studies, the assumption of linearly rising CO2 prices is common and based on the decreasing issued European allowances (EUA). The actual auction price for allowances is influenced by market dynamics, resulting in non-linear variations in CO2 prices due to the possibility of banking allowances. This study explores the impact of non-linear CO2 price trajectories on the European electricity market. Various scenarios, such as increasing prices with the market interest rate, early price peaks, collapse, or fluctuations, are examined until 2030. The study quantifies the effects on power plant investments, profitability, consumer costs, and government revenues. The findings reveal that early and high price signals lead to an earlier transition with 7 % more wind power plants but at 4 % higher costs. Conversely, lower initial prices delay power plant investments in wind power plants by 6 % and result in 21 % higher emissions. Compensation for climate impact costs can yield a positive cost-benefit analysis in scenarios with early and high price signals when emissions are avoided through mechanisms like the Market Stability Reserve (MSR).

The dichotomy of inclusiveness and vulnerability as a consequence of banking platform development

The processes of digitalization transform the current banking sectors. Digitalization and the increasing role of FinTech are driving the platformization of banking services, affecting the participants involved in their development and operation. This article examines the relationship between capturing value by different banking platforms' participants and the process of their inclusivity and associated vulnerability. The conflict of basic goals is analyzed through the lens of Paradox Theory. Our contribution is a theoretical model that helps understand how the banking platform's inclusiveness leads to value co-creation while introducing vulnerabilities. The governance structure is essential for the context of value co-creation in banking platforms. The model of governance defines the relations between different platform co-creators and their inclusiveness in a particular model. This research refers to the European Union financial market. The motivation for this focus is the regulatory solutions, embracing open banking and open finance. Understanding these dynamics is essential for shaping future policies and ensuring the sustainable development of banking platforms.

Comparative VOD catalogue research: Circulation, presence and prominence of British content in Europe

Video-on-demand (VoD) platforms have become primary spaces for encounters with transnational film and television, particularly among younger audiences. The expansion of global US-owned VoD services like Netflix has generated questions about the availability, discoverability, and prominence of domestic and European content, making the issue of how to analyse VoD catalogues pressing. Two perspectives are prevalent in VoD catalogue research: ‘back-end’ research emphasising composition and circulation; and ‘front-end’ analysing content presentation and discoverability. Quantitative methods facilitate comparative and longitudinal analyses of what is found on which VoD catalogues. Qualitative methods examine where and how audiences find content. This article, fostering synergy between the two, probes (1) the significance of VoD catalogue research in understanding the dynamics of transnational content flows and audience behaviours, and (2) its methodological possibilities and limitations. Focusing on British content in European VoD catalogues, it draws on two research projects: EUVoD (Aarhus Universitets Forskningsfond AUFF, 2021–2024), analysing the developing European VoD market within changing conditions of competition and policy; and Screen Encounters with Britain (AHRC, 2022–2025), investigating young Europeans’ use of British film and TV. The article utilises the European Audiovisual Observatory’s databases of European works and the streaming guide JustWatch.com, combined with systematic tracking of VoD landing pages. It thus maps content availability, popularity, and promotional strategies across different European markets and services, showcasing how patterns of presence, prominence and circulation shape probable audience encounters with non-domestic content. The article probes methodological considerations, complexities and caveats applicable to wider catalogue research into transnational media. In the case of British content availability on VoD, it shows how a vast number of ca. 15,000 individual UK titles available in European catalogues boils down to about 200 titles that can be easily found on Netflix, and 70 titles there of that young audiences (aged 16–34) recall as UK shows they know and remember.

Development of SADS (Soil and Air Detector System) to Support Palm Oil Industries in Indonesia

The issue of environmental damage due to the expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia has become a global issue. It has often hampered the development of the downstream palm oil industries in Indonesia. The European market was once closed to palm oil and derivative products from Indonesia. In fact, this industry has become a source of income and employment for millions of Indonesians. Therefore, palm oil industry must be supported with sustainable efforts. One of them is developing SADS (Soil and Air Detector System) model. Which is a tool for detecting soil and air environmental conditions around palm oil plantations. The parameters are soil PH, CO2 levels, temperature and humidity, and sunlight. The measurement results from this tool can be accessed and displayed in real-time via the internet. This is research aims to build a smart system as a solution to environmental problems around palm oil plantations. This is useful for knowing and observing the condition of palm oil plantations and as a basis for taking mitigation actions if the condition is in a critical state

The Registration of Medical Device in FDA, EU and CDSCO: Overview

This comprehensive summary provides a detailed look into the regulatory processes for registering medical devices in three major jurisdictions: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union (EU), and India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Each regulatory agency plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and quality standards of medical devices in their respective markets. The FDA, as the regulatory authority in the United States, has a stringent registration system in place to evaluate and approve medical devices before they can be marketed and sold. Manufacturers must adhere to specific procedures and programs to comply with FDA regulations, which are designed to safeguard patient health and promote innovation in the medical device industry. In the European Union, medical device registration is regulated by the EU's Medicinal Products for Human Use Directive, which sets forth stringent requirements for safety and quality standards. Manufacturers must undergo a thorough review process and obtain a CE Mark certification before their devices can be introduced to the European market. The EU's regulatory framework aims to harmonize standards across member states and ensure consistency in device registration procedures. In India, the CDSCO oversees the registration of medical devices and plays a key role in evaluating the safety and efficacy of products before they can be launched in the Indian market. Manufacturers must comply with CDSCO regulations and submit detailed documentation to demonstrate the safety and performance of their devices.

Legal and admisnitrative-management conditions of the operation of polish spa resorts

The article shows that the spa, as a territorial part of the municipality, determines the status of the municipality, its leading spa function, to which most of the important matters are necessarily subordinated. This applies, for example, to land use plans, development plans, environmental protection, construction, business development of the entire municipality, not just the part on which the resort is located. The aim of the work is to try to answer the question of what legal, administrative and organizational solutions will stimulate the effective functioning and development of Polish spas, under conditions of strong competition in the European market for tourism and spa services. An additional objective of the study is to identify the factors stimulating competitiveness and quality of tourism and spa services of customers of Polish spas. The evaluation of laundry and economic-administrative solutions was limited to the assessment of economic instruments and legal regulations found in national and EU government documents, directives and legal acts. The evaluation of current and projected solutions and changes in legal regulations takes into account the short and long term.

Ilex paraguariensis Extracts: A Source of Bioelements and Biologically Active Compounds for Food Supplements

Ilex paraguariensis, commonly known as yerba mate, is a plant belonging to the holly genus Ilex and the Aquifoliaceae family, indigenous to South America, and is used for the production of yerba mate. Yerba mate is renowned for its abundance of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Based on test results, it can be assumed that the selection of raw material for the preparation of extracts as well as the extraction method significantly influence the final content of biologically active compounds in the extracts. Consequently, this variability impacts the ultimate concentration of biologically active substances within the end product, potentially influencing human consumption. The present study aimed to quantify and compare the content of selected biological active compounds in supplements and products containing I. paraguariensis extracts, along with organic yerba mate dried through a smoke-free process, available in the European market (P-1–P-10). The evaluation focused on antioxidant substances such as neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, 4-feruloylquinic acid, isochlorogenic acid, rutoside astragalin, and caffeine. Additionally, the concentration of specific macro and trace elements was ascertained. The antioxidant compound makeup differs between methanol-extracted samples and aqueous extracts. In both cases, methanol extracts, particularly those in instant and traditional herb forms, showed the highest content of organic compounds with antioxidant properties (such as phenolic compounds and caffeine). The highest content of chlorogenic acid was detected in both methanol (14.7412 mg/g d.w.) and water (8.3120 mg/g d.w.) extracts in product P-4. The caffeic acid content ranged from 0.1491 mg/g d.w. to 1.7938 mg/g d.w. in methanol extracts and from 0.0760 mg/g d.w. to 0.4892 mg/g d.w. in water extracts. The neochlorogenic acid content ranged from 2.6869 to 23.9750 mg/g d.w. in ethanol extracts and from 0.4529 to 10.2299 mg/g d.w. in water extracts. Therefore, the traditional preparation of yerba mate as a water infusion does not fully exploit the raw material’s potential. Among the tested products, only the dietary supplement in capsule form contained protocatechuic acid, which was not present in any other tested products. Conversely, compounds characteristic of yerba mate found in other preparations were absent in this supplement. The caffeine content was also the lowest in this product. The determined content of active substances did not consistently match the declarations made by producers if stated on the packaging.

Integrated sustainability assessment of wood building products: The case of larch and chestnut cascading systems in Northern Italy

Wood is increasingly being appreciated in construction due to its valuable environmental attributes. This paper explores the environmental and market performance of two wood supply chains in Northern Italy. Larch and chestnut wood are extracted and processed to obtain beams, planks, MDF panels and energy. LCA is performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of 1m3 of extracted wood through a cradle-to-gate approach. Then, a biogenic carbon analysis is carried out using the EN 16449:2014 standard including a comparison of different end-of-life treatments. Also, OSB is proposed as an alternative path for wood chips and contrasted to the current energy scenario. Moreover, solid wood beams and planks are compared with engineered wood products (EWPs). Lastly, a market analysis is conducted to assess the market trends of the different wood products studied.The LCA shows similar results for both wood species across most impact categories, with slightly higher values for the chestnut system. Most impacts are related to the production of MDF boards and the energy valorization of wood chips. Biogenic carbon analysis shows a negative balance of emissions with −314 and −205 kg of CO2 eq for larch and chestnut, respectively. It also suggests that OSB manufacturing can be a valuable alternative to the energy use of wood chips and that the end-of-life treatment with better results is recycling. The comparison of beams and planks with engineered wood products supports that solid wood poses a better environmental alternative in similar applications. Market analysis shows stagnation in the apparent consumption of wood products in the European market and a slight growth in the Italian one between 2018 and 2022. Overall, the systems studied suggest that the potential environmental benefits of using wood in construction are not being matched by current market trends.