In 2022, Germany imported nearly 80 million tonnes of metals. Of these, about 90 percent were Primary raw materials<\/strong>. This significant Consumption of raw materials<\/strong> It is unsustainable and far above what is considered fair globally. Germany's dependence on Imports of raw materials<\/strong> caused by geopolitical crises, wars, pandemics<\/strong> and environmental catastrophes are clearly visible, as they continue to Supply chain disruptions<\/strong> led.<\/p>\n Reducing the need for primary raw materials is essential to Security of supply<\/strong> 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<\/strong> Measures must be taken to: Reversal of raw materials<\/strong> They will be taken to the Consumption of metallic raw materials<\/strong> significantly lowered.<\/p>\n Our brochure \u2018Reduce metal consumption: Practical proposals for shaping the raw materials transition\u2019<\/strong><\/a> investigates the Potential savings<\/strong> for four base metals \u2013 Copper, aluminium, iron and nickel<\/strong> \u2013 which together 94 percent<\/strong> the metal consumption of raw materials in Germany. These savings are not only ecologically sensible, but also crucial to reduce dependence on imports.<\/p>\n Together with the ifeu Institute<\/strong> We have a study on the Reduction potentials<\/strong> in the sectors Transport, construction<\/strong> and recycle<\/strong> created. In the transport sector, a reduction in New registrations<\/strong> 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<\/strong> to be achieved. There is also a reduction in the Weight and size<\/strong> of new vehicles is an effective measure.<\/p>\n In the construction sector, there is also considerable potential to reduce raw material consumption. Through the use of Secondary raw materials<\/strong> and the Reuse of building materials<\/strong> Large amounts of primary raw materials could be saved. In particular, the use of Recycling materials<\/strong> such as aluminium, copper and steel contributes to reducing dependence on imports while at the same time reducing the Environmental pollution<\/strong> to lower.<\/p>\n Despite the goal, the Primary raw material consumption<\/strong> 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<\/strong> for recycling materials and the promotion of technologies that Secondary use<\/strong> increase.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> to the Reversal of raw materials<\/strong> be taken now. Measures to promote Circular economy<\/strong>, to Reduction of raw material consumption<\/strong> and to increase the use of Secondary raw materials<\/strong> are crucial in this respect. In particular, the increased use of Recycling technologies<\/strong> can significantly reduce the need for raw materials and reduce dependence on primary raw materials.<\/p>\nPotential savings and measures in the transport sector, construction and recycling<\/h2>\n
Demands on policy<\/h2>\n
The Road to a Raw Materials Transition: Acting instead of waiting<\/h2>\n