Strategic approach for the use and management of materials in the UK
We have joined the , and in writing to government ministers to say that the UK urgently needs a strategic, joined-up and cross-sector approach, led by central Government, for the use and management of materials in the UK. A version of this letter is included .
Our joint letter, below, is addressed to:
- Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
- Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology,
- Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade,
- Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero
- Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry
The UK’s population consumes 15.3 tonnes of materials per person per year, which is well above the global average. Not only does this mean we are contributing disproportionately to the problem of unsustainable materials use, but also:
- The economic value that these materials have is lost from the UK economy if they end up in landfill, incineration or are exported abroad, with some estimates suggesting that at present as little as 7.5% of materials are circled back into the UK economy.
- Many of the materials that are vital to meet the UK’s net zero commitments are also essential in a range of other sectors including healthcare, defence and electronics, and there is significant global demand for these materials. Some of these materials are designated as ‘critical’ because of their importance to our economy and supply chain risks. Unresolved imbalances between supply and demand pose risks to UK economic growth and national energy security.
Earlier this year, the UN’s International Resource Panel made clear that unsustainable resource use is the main driver of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and waste and pollution. Its Global Resources Outlook 2024 highlights the need for urgent global transformation towards the sustainable use of resources. Far from being separate from efforts to combat climate change, unsustainable material use contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as degrading ecosystems through land use and chemical pollution which reduces their ability to store carbon. Unfortunately, progress on this front has been far slower than for UK decarbonisation.
Crucial steps will include developing robust data on the origin and use of materials and improved design practices and policy frameworks that reduce disposal and waste, and setting an overall goal of reducing UK resource consumption as per our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 12. UK companies who lead in the development of more sustainable products will be positioned as market leaders amid growing demand for eco-friendly and consumer-friendly goods.
The Geological Society, Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, Royal Academy of Engineering and 蹤獲扦 are making this joint statement because we urgently need government to take transformative action on the way the UK acquires, uses and manages materials. We welcome commitments made to move towards a zero-waste economy and to develop a new circular economy strategy, and would ask that you meet with our organisations discuss how this strategy can accomplish a transformative change in UK material sustainability.
We would be pleased to work with you and your department to assist in developing an evidence-led, new approach to materials.
