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Updated: Jun 9, 2025
10:22
Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
3.4K
From Critical Raw Materials to Circular Raw Materials.
Joost M van Gaalen1, J Chris Slootweg1
1Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Chemsuschem
|October 22, 2024
Summary
This perspective proposes transitioning to circular raw material management to address Critical Raw Material (CRM) challenges. Design for Circularity offers the most impactful solution for sustainable resource use and a resilient economy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Economics
Background:
- Unsustainable consumption of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) poses environmental, geopolitical, and economic risks.
- Current economic models face limitations in ensuring long-term CRM availability and sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the challenge of advancing CRM use.
- To propose a transition towards circular raw material management.
- To mitigate CRM criticality through technological approaches.
Main Methods:
- Reducing CRM consumption.
- Substituting CRMs with less critical materials.
- Enhancing recovery and recycling processes.
- Implementing Design for Circularity principles.
Main Results:
- Design for Circularity is identified as the most impactful solution.
- Multifaceted technological approaches can mitigate CRM criticality.
- Circular economy principles foster a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Conclusions:
- A paradigm shift in product design and material utilization is crucial.
- Principles like modular design and product life extension are key.
- Transitioning to service models supports sustainable CRM management.
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