D2.5 Results of social LCA

The purpose of this report is to conduct a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) of bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) investigated under the Novafert project. BBFs include – soil improvers or alternative fertilisers made from bio-waste materials intended for use in agriculture. The analysis aims to identify social and sociological aspects associated with the production, distribution, and use of these products, covering potential positive and negative impacts on stakeholders throughout its life cycle. This report serves as an complement to environmental LCA and cost analysis (LCC), supporting the objectives of sustainable development and the goals of the European Green Deal. To achieve these objectives, the report focuses on aspects relevant to key stakeholders and social indicators that impact the quality of life in local communities and workplace safety. The analysis also includes identifying opportunities to support the local economy through the production and distribution of BBFs. The assessment scope encompasses the entire life cycle of four BBFs, from the acquisition of secondary raw materials through production and distribution processes to their use and potential effects on soil and local communities. The analysis covers the following topics for each BBFs: five main stakeholder groups: employees, consumers, local communities, society and entities within the value chain, key social indicators: including job creation, impacts on public health and local development, collection of qualitative data following UNEP guidelines, social impact assessment of 13 BBFs using PSILCA database. The system boundaries include both production at the processing facility and the distribution of the product to the end-user. The report also examines the potential benefits and risks associated with the product's use in the context of its impact on local communities. The report incorporates both specific data for the chochen BBFs and general data for the fertilisers. sector. This approach ensures an accurate assessment of social impact and allows for the formulation of conclusions and recommendations for the further development of the products. The findings confirm that BBFs, derived from organic waste materials, can offer considerable social and environmental benefits. These benefits are especially evident in: job creation in local communities and rural regions, improved working conditions and safety protocols in most production sites, promotion of circular economy (CE) practices through waste valorisation, environmental and public health improvements due to reduced chemical fertiliser use. The findings confirm that BBFs, derived from organic waste materials, can offer considerable social and environmental benefits. These benefits are especially evident in job creation in local communities and rural regions, improved working conditions and safety protocols in most production sites, promotion of CE practices through waste valorisation, and environmental and public health improvements due to reduced chemical fertiliser use. However, the analysis also reveals areas where improvement is necessary. These include more structured stakeholder engagement, greater transparency in customer and community relations, limited gender representation in the workforce, insufficient monitoring of social responsibility along the supply chain, and the fact that social impacts are highly dependent on the geographic context where production takes place. In light of the findings, several recommendations are proposed to strengthen the social sustainability of BBF value chains. It is advised to promote inclusive and equitable working environments, including developing formal policies to support workplace diversity, closing gender pay gaps, and encouraging the participation of underrepresented groups. It is also recommended to strengthen occupational health and safety practices through ongoing employee training, internal audits, and continuous improvement protocols. Furthermore, companies should enhance community engagement and conduct formal assessments of their social and environmental impacts, implement systematic customer satisfaction monitoring tools, develop supplier evaluation standards for social responsibility, and improve transparency and stakeholder communication through regular reporting. Looking ahead, BBF producers must be prepared to address several future challenges. These include adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape concerning environmental protection and waste-derived fertilisers, maintaining competitiveness through innovation and demonstrating economic value, building public trust by improving communication and transparency, and aligning operations with global sustainability goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaboration with stakeholders and continuous improvement across the entire supply chain will be key to ensuring the long-term success and social acceptance of BBFs.