Secondary raw materials are materials that are recovered from waste or (end-of-life) products through recycling. The raw materials used include industrial, municipal and construction waste. These are separated, processed and/or concentrated into new materials or secondary raw materials. The use of secondary raw materials reduces the consumption of primary raw materials, thereby conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Secondary raw materials are the basis of a functioning and sustainable circular economy.
Examples of primary and secondary raw materials:
Primary raw materials include wood from the forest, metals such as copper or iron from mines, and gravel and sand from gravel pits.
Secondary raw materials include wood fibres from waste paper, gravel and sand from recycled concrete demolition/construction waste or processed excavated soil, phosphorus recovered from sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants and metals (including iron, copper and zinc) recovered from waste incineration residues.
Last modification 23.01.2025
