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Metal cycles and data gaps in recycling – An analysis of the current data situation
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Keywords
Kreislaufwirtschaft, Recycling, Stoffkreislauf, Rezyklat, Metall
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Müller, F., Bookhagen, B., Lehmann, C., Mählitz, P., Kahrl, A., Schmitz, M., Kohlmeyer, R., Liesegang, M., Sperlich, K., Kresse, C., & Nuss, P. (2026). Data requirements for a successful circular economy. Umweltbundesamt. https://doi.org/10.60810/openumwelt-8358
Abstract english
The circular economy is a transformation towards an economy that is resource-efficient, climate-neutral and resilient. Experts from the German Environment Agency and the German Raw Materials Agency systematically analyse available data on metal material cycles, focusing on secondary raw materials, recycling metrics, and material qualities. Case studies on aluminium and cobalt are used to identify existing data gaps and develop targeted recommendations for improving the database. Measures are proposed to increase the availability and quality of relevant data, in line with the goal of reducing bureaucracy.