Germany's Metal Dependence and the Need for a Raw Materials Transition
In 2022, Germany imported nearly 80 million tonnes of metals. Of these, about 90 percent were Primary raw materials. This significant Consumption of raw materials It is unsustainable and far above what is considered fair globally. Germany's dependence on Imports of raw materials caused by geopolitical crises, wars, pandemics and environmental catastrophes are clearly visible, as they continue to Supply chain disruptions led.
Reducing the need for primary raw materials is essential to Security of supply to increase and at the same time minimise the negative social and environmental impacts of the extraction of raw materials worldwide. Especially in times of Climate crisis Measures must be taken to: Reversal of raw materials They will be taken to the Consumption of metallic raw materials significantly lowered.
Our brochure ‘Reduce metal consumption: Practical proposals for shaping the raw materials transition’ investigates the Potential savings for four base metals – Copper, aluminium, iron and nickel – which together 94 percent the metal consumption of raw materials in Germany. These savings are not only ecologically sensible, but also crucial to reduce dependence on imports.
Potential savings and measures in the transport sector, construction and recycling
Together with the ifeu Institute We have a study on the Reduction potentials in the sectors Transport, construction and recycle created. In the transport sector, a reduction in New registrations By 2050, the demand for metals in passenger cars will be reduced by 312 million tonnes. This could be done by promoting smaller and lighter vehicles, as well as by: Sharing concepts to be achieved. There is also a reduction in the Weight and size of new vehicles is an effective measure.
In the construction sector, there is also considerable potential to reduce raw material consumption. Through the use of Secondary raw materials and the Reuse of building materials Large amounts of primary raw materials could be saved. In particular, the use of Recycling materials such as aluminium, copper and steel contributes to reducing dependence on imports while at the same time reducing the Environmental pollution to lower.
Demands on policy
Despite the goal, the Primary raw material consumption to reduce, which is anchored in the coalition agreement of the Federal Government, no sufficient measures have been taken so far. Our brochure therefore calls on the relevant ministries to take clear and binding steps to reduce the need for primary raw materials and promote the circular economy. This includes, inter alia, the introduction of: Tax incentives for recycling materials and the promotion of technologies that Secondary use increase.
The Road to a Raw Materials Transition: Acting instead of waiting
In order to reduce dependence on imports of raw materials while minimising negative impacts on people and the environment, it is necessary to: policy measures to the Reversal of raw materials be taken now. Measures to promote Circular economy, to Reduction of raw material consumption and to increase the use of Secondary raw materials are crucial in this respect. In particular, the increased use of Recycling technologies can significantly reduce the need for raw materials and reduce dependence on primary raw materials.
Download our brochure to learn more about the proposed measures to reduce the use of metallic raw materials and the necessary policy steps.
We would like to thank the authors Monika Dittrich, Sonja Limberger, Birte Ewers, Florian Petri and Anja Doppelmayr for their study on the use and reduction potential of base metals in Germany and the EU.
