Råstoff

Råstoff is a term used in Norwegian to denote raw materials—inputs sourced from nature that are used in manufacturing and energy production. It refers to natural resources that have not yet been transformed into finished products, including minerals, fuels, biomass, and water. In practice, råstoff covers both non-renewable resources such as petroleum, coal, and metal ores, and renewable resources such as timber and agricultural crops.

Råstoff forms the starting point of most value chains. Extraction, harvesting, or cultivation is followed by processing, refining, and conversion into semi-finished or finished goods. Availability and price of råstoff influence production planning, competitiveness, and trade. Markets for råstoff are typically organized as commodity markets, with prices driven by supply and demand, geopolitical developments, and substitutions.

Policy and sustainability considerations influence råstoff management. Responsible sourcing, environmental impact assessments, and certifications aim to reduce ecological harm and ensure social responsibility in extraction and processing. Circular economy approaches seek to minimize virgin råstoff use by increasing recycling, reuse, and material efficiency.

Because råstoff stocks are unevenly distributed, countries often rely on imports to meet demand, shaping energy security and industrial policy. The term is closely related to but distinct from råvara and other terms for raw inputs in different Scandinavian languages.

See also: Raw material, Commodity, Resource management, Sustainable development.