Reducing metal consumption: Practical proposals for shaping the raw materials transition
Germany's metal dependency and the need for a raw material turnaround
In 2022, Germany imported almost 80 million tonnes of metals. Of these, about 90 percent Primary raw materials. This significant Raw material consumption It is unsustainable and far exceeds what is globally considered fair. Germany's dependence on Imports of raw materials Due to geopolitical crises, Wars, pandemics and environmental disasters are clearly visible, as they are repeatedly Supply chain disruptions led.
Reducing the need for primary raw materials is essential to Security of supply increase and at the same time minimise the negative social and environmental impact of the extraction of raw materials worldwide. Especially in times of Climate crisis Measures must be taken to: Raw material turnaround will be taken to the Consumption of metallic raw materials Significantly lower.
Our brochure ‘Reduce metal consumption: Practical proposals to shape the raw materials transition” examines the Saving potential for four base metals: Copper, aluminium, iron and nickel – which together 94 percent of Germany's consumption of metallic raw materials. These savings not only make ecological sense, but are also crucial to reduce dependence on imports.
Savings potential and measures in the transport sector, construction and recycling
Together with the ifeu Institute We have a study on the Reduction potential 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 achieved by promoting smaller and lighter vehicles and 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 the consumption of raw materials. 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 Recycled materials such as aluminium, copper and steel, contributes to reducing dependence on imports and, at the same time, Environmental pressures lowering.
Demands on policy
Despite the goal, the Primary raw material consumption to reduce, which is enshrined 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 way to the raw material turnaround: Acting instead of waiting
In order to reduce dependence on raw material imports while minimising the negative impact on people and the environment, it is necessary to: Policy measures on the Raw material turnaround be seized now. Measures to promote the Circular economy, to Reduction of raw material consumption and to increase the use of Secondary raw materials are of crucial importance in this regard. In particular, the increased use of Recycling technologies can significantly reduce the demand 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 of the study “Use and reduction potentials of base metals in Germany and the EU”.
We would like to thank the European Climate Foundation for its support.
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