Circular Economy as a Means to Efficient Use of Scarce Metals

• Scarce metals are increasingly used in modern technology, but significant quantities are lost for further functionaluse in recycling. This study investigates if other measures for a more resource-efficient and “circular economy”(CE) can increase efficiency of scarce metal use. Three CE alternatives, inspired by real business solutions forproviding lighting, notebooks and smartphones are compared with respective conventional alternatives, using materialflow analysis. Scarce metal efficiency gains are primarily realized by extending the use phase of products orcomponents. However, the extension must be sufficient in order not to be cancelled out by any additional scarcemetals that enable the extension. Furthermore, losses of scarce metals occur whenever components are replaced.Therefore, CE alternatives may not necessarily improve efficiency of scarce metals use. Advances to functionallyrecycle scarce metals and designs that enable components and products to be kept in functional use for longer areneeded.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Miljöledning (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Environmental Management (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Resource-Efficiency

Scarce Metals

Circular Economy

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