The Circular Economy Aspects of the Enameled Panel Applied in the Architecture Field

Growing awareness regarding sustainability and the need for strong and durable materials led to renewed interest in enameled panels in architecture. These coatings, due to their glassy surface, offer long-term protection from corrosion, abrasion and chemicals, while maintaining a stable aesthetic over time. This work explored the economic and environmental feasibility of enameled panels - steel, aluminum and composite types - as a sustainable alternative to traditional painted coatings, which currently dominate the market. Beyond initial production costs, the study considered the “hidden costs” related to maintenance, replacement frequency, and end-of-life disposal, highlighting how these factors could significantly affect the overall sustainability of the products. The analysis encompassed all stages of the panel life cycle, from raw materials extraction to production processes, from logistics to maintenance and end-of-life. To ensure accurate environmental and economic assessments, the study also made extensive use of databases and specialized tools: material impact and recyclability were analyzed using CES EduPack 2018, while production emissions and lifecycle indicators such as the Global Warming Potential were modeled through SimaPro software. Additionally, the logistics and transport phases were evaluated using EcoTransIT, simulating typical shipping routes and energy consumption. These digital resources, combined with the EPD International System, also allowed a comparative evaluation between enameled and painted panels. Despite a higher initial impact in energy terms, enameled panels can offer significant long-term benefits due to their durability and reduced maintenance requirements. These results highlight how enameled panels could be a competitive and sustainable choice for contemporary architecture, combining aesthetics, durability and compliance with environmental regulations. At the same time, they stress the need to consider not only immediate costs, but also those related to the entire life cycle of materials, an increasingly central aspect of business strategies and sustainability policies in the building sector.