materiaalrecovery

Material recovery, often referred to in Dutch as materiaalrecovery, is the process of extracting usable materials from waste streams for reuse as raw materials in manufacturing. It aims to extend the life of materials, reduce the need for virgin extraction, and lower environmental impacts. Material recovery is distinguished from energy recovery and from disposal; it focuses on reclaiming materials to be reintroduced into production cycles in either closed-loop or open-loop applications. It covers post-consumer waste as well as industrial scrap, including metals, plastics, glass, paper, textiles, and construction and demolition materials.

Practices range from mechanical recycling, which involves collection, sorting, washing, shredding, and reprocessing into pellets or granules; to chemical recycling, which breaks polymers down to monomers or other feedstocks; and to biological processes such as composting or anaerobic digestion for organic fractions. Efficient material recovery requires careful separation and quality control to minimize contamination and to produce materials that meet feedstock specifications. Some streams are readily recyclable (e.g., steel, aluminum, PET), while others pose challenges.

Benefits include reduced energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of resources, and less landfilled waste. Challenges include contamination, variability in input streams, market demand for recycled materials, high capital costs, and regulatory and standardization barriers. Geographic and infrastructural differences affect collection and processing efficiency.

Policy contexts such as the European Union's waste framework directive, packaging waste directive, and circular economy action plan drive recycling targets and standardization. Key performance indicators include recycling rates, material recovery rate, and the share of recycled content in products.

Advances in chemical recycling, design for disassembly, and better traceability are expected to improve recovery of plastics and complex products. Material recovery is a central component of the circular economy and sustainable resource management.