Measures and strategies for the efficient use of critical raw materials

The sustainable management of natural resources is essential in the work towards the green transition. Raw materials for which demand is high while supply is limited or vulnerable are referred to as critical raw materials (CRM). IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute provides comprehensive solutions to ensure that critical raw materials are used sustainably throughout their entire life cycle.

The demand for critical raw materials is increasing rapidly, particularly due to the green transition. Primary resources such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, indium, and rare earth elements will be needed to enable the swift transition required to meet climate targets. However, to achieve long-term sustainable solutions, secondary (recycled) resources must be utilised to replace primary materials as quickly and extensively as possible.

With its broad expertise across the entire value chain, IVL can help you develop sustainable, integrated solutions to use raw materials efficiently at all stages of the value chain—thus conserving the Earth's resources.

Engage IVL for:

• Tailor-made analyses involving mapping and quantification of critical raw materials in various processes and technical systems.
• Risk reduction in extraction and production processes involving critical raw materials through substitution and/or process closure and circulation.
• Establishing networks and development environments in value chains linked to critical raw materials.
• Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to determine the most sustainable options and to avoid sub-optimisation in processes using critical raw materials.
• Barrier analyses and proposals for measures to ensure the long-term sustainable use of critical raw materials.
• Waste minimisation and recycling of critical raw materials in different processes and technical systems.
• Eco-design and traceability to facilitate the reuse and recycling of products containing critical raw materials.
• Technical solutions to minimise leakage of critical raw materials from industrial processes.
• Information on legislation and regulations related to critical raw materials.
• Issues concerning due diligence and social sustainability linked to the use of critical raw materials.