CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF INCREASING MATERIALS CIRCULARITY: A Focus on Critical Metal Recovery from Electronic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Manufacturing Technology

Background:

• The U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) issued a Request for Information in March 2023.
• The request focused on identifying challenges and opportunities in increasing the circularity of materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the collective response to the AMMTO's 2023 Circular Economy Request for Information.
• To distill key themes regarding materials circularity, challenges, and opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of submitted responses to the Request for Information.
• Synthesis of information provided by various stakeholders.

Main Results:

• Identified significant challenges in implementing circular economy principles in materials management.
• Highlighted opportunities for innovation and policy to enhance materials circularity.
• Documented diverse perspectives on advancing a circular economy.

Conclusions:

• Advancing materials circularity requires a multi-faceted approach involving technological innovation, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration.
• The insights gathered will inform future initiatives by the AMMTO to promote a circular economy.