Published on: 2026-05-30
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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What is considered trash today can in a few decades become one of the main sources of raw materials for the European economy. This conclusion was reached by participants of the FutuRaM project, funded by the European Union. For the first time, scientists have created a detailed map of the so-called “urban mine” of Europe — a huge reserve of valuable materials contained in old electronics, used cars, batteries, wind turbines, construction waste, and industrial waste.
New estimates of processing potential
The study showed that by 2050 European recycling systems will be able to annually provide a return of between 4.1 and 5.7 million tons of critically important raw materials. This volume could replace from 33 to 56 percent of primary raw materials, which will allow the region to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the supply of materials essential for the production of batteries, electric vehicles, as well as solar and wind energy.
One of the main achievements of the project was the development of a new assessment model that allows distinguishing critically important raw materials contained in primary resources, and secondary raw materials that can be extracted after processing. This eliminates one of the main shortcomings of previous studies and provides a more accurate representation of the potential supply volume.
Regions as a resource for the future
According to research, in 2022, about 5.2 million tons of critical raw materials containing various goods entered the European market. Of these, 2.1 million tons turned out to be such materials, but only 1.4 million tons were successfully recycled, indicating a significant gap between consumption and resource processing. According to new forecasts, by 2050 the volume of critical materials entering the market will increase to 8.4-12.2 million tons per year.The volume of ores containing such materials will simultaneously increase to 5.2–6.4 million tons, and the potential volume of metal recovery can reach 4.7–5.7 million tons annually, which enhances the strategic importance of processing development.
Significant climate benefits of recycling are emphasized. According to the authors’ estimates, by 2050 the use of secondary raw materials could annually prevent up to 273 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions, making recycling one of the important tools for mitigating the consequences of climate change.
Next steps for strengthening Europe’s raw material resilience
The report notes that for the full realization of the potential of Europe’s “urban waste,” further improvement of data collection systems, a more accurate assessment of the actual capabilities of processing, and improved monitoring of waste exports are necessary.
The databases and analytical tools developed within the project will be available for further use in accordance with principles ensuring accessibility, interoperability, and reuse of data. In the opinion of the study’s authors, they can become a basis for long-term monitoring of Europe’s raw material resources and strengthening the resilience of supply chains under conditions of growing global uncertainty.
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