Germany steps up industry recycling to bolster raw material supply security

The German government wants to strengthen the role of recycled raw materials in the country's industry in a bid to increase supply security of metals and industrial minerals. A dialogue platform including industry, scientists, and civil society set up for this aim has now presented its final report to the economy and environment ministries. Recommendations for improved raw material recycling include the introduction of recycling-friendly product design; clear guidelines and framework conditions; anchoring the circular economy in legislation; and utilising the full potential of digitalisation, for example in the collection, recording and sorting of materials. "Recycling is a central component of a circular economy and crucial for the sustainable supply and better utilisation of raw materials," parliamentary state secretary Michael Kellner said. The final report sets out 94 options for action to improve the recycling of metals and industrial minerals, as well as eight other materials.

Improving circular economy principles for the use of steel, cement and plastics could help Germany’s energy-intensive industries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions much faster and more efficiently, while at the same hedging against spikes in energy and raw material prices, think tank Agora Industrie found in an analysis. Researchers have lamented that Germany still lacks a comprehensive vision for establishing a more circular economy, despite the many benefits such a strategy would entail. Better recycling and circularity procedures have also been identified as a key aspect for a truly sustainable rollout of renewable energy sources, batteries, and other transformation technologies. A climate neutral economy will rely heavily on a wide range of raw materials that must be sourced, processed and recycled in a way that minimises the ecological impact, emissions and waste.