Critical materials and dissipative losses: a screening study

Sci Total Environ. 2013 Sep 1:461-462:774-80. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.05.040. Epub 2013 Jun 12.

Abstract

This study deals with dissipative losses of critical materials between the life-cycle stages of manufacturing and end-of-life. Following the EU definition for critical materials, a screening of dissipative losses for the respective materials has been performed based on existing data and the most significant data gaps have been identified. Furthermore, a classification scheme for dissipative losses (dissipation into environment, dissipation into other material flows, dissipation to landfills) and for assessing their degree has been developed and a first qualitative assessment applying this classification scheme has been performed. In combination with existing criticality assessments, the results can be used to generate a map of metals indicating future research needs for analyzing metal dissipation in detail. The results include quantitative estimates of dissipative losses (where feasible) along the chosen life-cycle stages, and discuss research needs for analysis and avoidance of dissipative losses for improved resource efficiency.

Keywords: Critical materials; Critical metals; Criticality; Dissipation; Dissipative losses.

MeSH terms

  • Conservation of Natural Resources / methods*
  • European Union
  • Industry / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Industry / methods*
  • Industry / statistics & numerical data*
  • Metals / analysis*
  • Metals / classification
  • Models, Theoretical

Substances

  • Metals