Dematerialize

Dematerialize is a verb meaning to remove material content from something or to render it immaterial. The term comes from de- and materialize, and in its literal sense it can refer to turning a physical object into something nonmaterial or causing it to disappear. In broader use, dematerialize can describe converting a tangible product, process, or service into a digital or intangible form.

In technology and business, dematerialization (the noun form) denotes a trend toward replacing physical goods and activities with digital equivalents or services. Examples include e-books replacing printed books, streaming music replacing physical media, software-as-a-service replacing packaged software, and cloud computing reducing on-site hardware. The idea is widely discussed in relation to productivity, efficiency, and environmental impact.

In economics and environmental studies, dematerialization refers to a decline in the material intensity of an economy—the amount of inputs such as minerals and fossil fuels required per unit of economic output. It is measured with indicators like domestic material consumption and material footprints, and it is driven by efficiency gains, shifts toward services, and changes in consumer behavior.

In science fiction and some philosophical contexts, dematerialization can describe the hypothetical disappearance of matter or its conversion to energy. In scientific literature, these uses are metaphorical and not part of established physical theory.

Limitations and debates: dematerialization does not automatically reduce overall environmental impact, because digital technologies require energy and resource extraction for devices, and rebound effects can offset gains. The net effect depends on energy sources, manufacturing practices, and consumption patterns.