Raw materials scarcity as a business case

Global population expansion and growing prosperity are driving increased demand for rapidly diminishing raw material supplies. Over the long term, we need to reflect on a physical, global, shortage of natural resources.

Already, some raw materials - such as particular earth metals used by the technology industry - are being reserved, either for the country of origin or for the leading industry players.
This is damaging to political, economic, ecological and social interests.

In this report, we aim to provide an insight to stakeholders on the subject of raw material depletion and suggest the potential solutions that recycling and effective product design can offer. We demonstrate our operational interpretation for delivering our vision of ‘Waste No More’.

Commodity prices and electricity price development 2009-2010. In addition, the development of diesel, which is relevant for our logistics operations.

Over the last few years several international scientific studies and arguments have appeared that map raw material scarcity and outline the solutions for sustainable material management. They underline the importance of recycling and closed-loop programmes. These research reports reinforce Van Gansewinkel Groep’s business case and vision. In recent years, the company has been transformed from a traditional waste management service provider into a sustainable raw materials and energy supplier. And now, our strategy is directly linked to global raw material shortages.

With its businesses, waste streams, knowledge of materials and logistic (take back) systems, Van Gansewinkel Groep can close raw material cycles and reduce the need to use natural resources. As a result, the company prevents useless residual waste from being generated. Moreover, and in virtually all cases, the recycling of raw materials leads to CO₂ reduction. Extracting natural resources often consumes more energy than the recycling and upcycling of the raw materials. So, by preventing anything becoming waste, we’re addressing both raw materials depletion and climate change challenges.

It all starts with the design and development phase of (new) products where a real difference can be made by choosing the right raw materials. Van Gansewinkel Groep already makes an important contribution here with its knowledge of raw materials and recycling techniques. The company then also plays an important role both as a logistics service provider and, through its recycling, in managing the recovery of valuable raw materials from end-of-life products. These raw materials then form the source of new products, closing the loop with no waste being generated.

There are now profound international scientific reports and opinions available that emphasise the importance of recycling and closed-loop programmes. Policymakers increasingly recognise the issue of scarce raw materials, the need for timely action and to work on urban mining. In this annual report, we will examine raw material scarcity as a business case further.