The final report of the EmMA project presents a comprehensive assessment of the technical feasibility and legal compliance of using ash from wood combustion in industrial and construction applications. The technical analysis began with a detailed compositional study of the ash samples. Organic fractions were quantified, and the total heavy‑metal content was measured for each batch. Subsequent solubility tests revealed that a significant portion of the metals—particularly lead, cadmium, and zinc—were present in soluble forms, indicating that careful handling and treatment are required before any reuse. The ash’s suitability as a filler material in road construction and concrete was evaluated, and the results showed that, after appropriate treatment to reduce soluble metal concentrations, the ash can meet the mechanical performance criteria for these applications. The report also examined the potential for metal recovery. Three extraction routes were considered: the 3R process, the FLUWA/FLUREC method, and bioleaching. For each method, the extraction efficiency, energy consumption, and overall cost were modeled. The cost estimates, presented in the report, indicate that the 3R process offers the most favorable economics under current market conditions, with a sensitivity analysis confirming that the process remains viable across a range of metal prices and energy costs. A CO₂ balance was also calculated, showing that the metal‑recovery routes could reduce the overall carbon footprint of the ash disposal chain by up to 15 % compared with conventional landfilling.
In addition to the technical findings, the report provides a legal assessment of ash disposal and reuse pathways. The ash from wood combustion is classified under German waste law as non‑hazardous (AVV 10 01 03), which allows it to be treated as municipal waste for disposal in landfills or incineration facilities. However, when the ash is intended for use as a construction material, it must comply with the Fertilizer Ordinance (DüMV) and the Landfill Ordinance (DepV). The legal review confirms that, provided the heavy‑metal concentrations are below the limits set by these regulations, the ash can be marketed as a construction additive. The report also discusses the requirements for certification, noting that products containing ash must carry the CE mark and, where applicable, the GS mark to demonstrate conformity with European safety and environmental standards.
The EmMA project was carried out through a partnership between academic researchers, industry stakeholders, and certification bodies. The research institutions provided the analytical and modelling expertise, while manufacturers of secondary emission control modules (SEMM) supplied the ash samples and operational data. Certification agencies such as TÜV and DEKRA were involved in validating the testing procedures and issuing the necessary conformity certificates. The project spanned several years, during which the collaborative team coordinated data collection, analysis, and regulatory review. Funding for the project was provided by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, ensuring that the study met the high standards required for public and industrial stakeholders. The final report, therefore, not only documents the technical viability of ash reuse but also clarifies the regulatory framework that governs its safe and compliant application.