Intra- and extra-EU trade in recyclable metals: opportunities for industrial symbiosis

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Trade in recyclable metals within and outside the European Union borders is a key part of establishing patterns of circular economy and industrial symbiosis in the metalworking industry. Industrial symbiosis implies the creation of industrial synergies in areas that can utilize waste materials or by-products, and is particularly important in sectors of intensive mineral processing, as it reduces the amount of waste, the need for exploitation of primary raw materials (virgin materials), and the negative environmental impact. This paper examines the potential of European Union countries for creating industrial symbioses, based on an assessment of trade in recycled metals within the EU and with third countries. A multi-criteria analysis was employed, utilizing the MARCOS methodology to rank EU countries, thereby determining which countries have the most significant potential for recycling various types of metals and making synergies. Research on trade in recycled materials contributes to the promotion of circular and sustainable mechanisms, and the results can serve policy makers, industrial actors and researchers as a basis for investment planning, optimization of flows of secondary raw materials and development of regional centers of industrial symbiosis.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: