Assessing the eco-efficiency of complex forestry enterprises using LCA/time-series DEA methodology

•An LCA procedure at corporate level which incorporated the absorption of CO2 by trees.•A joint LCA and time-series DEA methodology to calculate eco-efficiency score.•An input–output indicator system constructed to assess the eco-efficiency.•Environmental impact, wood fiber and energy are key factors to enhance eco-efficiency. Complex forestry enterprises have the potential to lead the current industrial upgrade under the strategy of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking. This paper aims to investigate the inputs and outputs influencing the eco-efficiency of complex forestry enterprises through a case study. A hybrid ensemble approach of life cycle assessment (LCA) and time-series data envelopment analysis (time-series DEA) was proposed to evaluate the case enterprise's eco-efficiency. It is found that, from the perspective of the average intensity of key input and output factors, environmental impact in efficient years is 45.25% of that in inefficient ones, and when it comes to the fiber consumption and the energy consumption, this percentage turns into 65.53% and 77.66%. With the findings, we provide guidelines for complex forestry enterprises to enhance the eco-efficiency in improving environmental impact and in giving full play to the advantages of forestry industrial chain resources. Our findings also contribute to the existent literature by providing a systematic study based on a corporate time-series dataset.