# Global strategic material scarcity and recycling efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-strategic-material-scarcity-and-recycling-efforts
> Updated: 2026-09-17T14:03:54.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Global concerns regarding the scarcity of essential chemical elements and the strategic importance of recycling are increasing. Projections from the American Chemical Society suggest that 44 of the 118 known chemical elements could face significant supply limitations or become unavailable by the end of the century, including helium, phosphorus, indium, and neodymium.

To mitigate these risks, there is a growing focus on the circular economy. In the European Union, new regulations implemented in August 2026 aim to increase recycling rates, with a goal for recycling capacities to cover at least 25 percent of annual consumption of strategic raw materials by 2030. Technological advancements like sensor-based sorting are improving the recovery of materials such as copper and aluminum from electronic waste.

This shift is further driven by the rising demand for metals like copper, steel, and aluminum. The transition to new energy infrastructures—including electric vehicles, battery storage, and wind turbines—is significantly increasing the need for these resources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects higher demand for materials such as copper, graphite, nickel, and rare earth elements through 2040, making recycling a critical method for industrial resilience and resource security.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Metal recycling gains importance amid rising raw material demand

Metal recycling is becoming vital to combat raw material shortages driven by the global transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/metal-recycling-gains-importance-amid-rising-raw-material-demand

### 2026-09-03: Resource scarcity drives global push for strategic material recycling

Experts warn that 44 chemical elements could face supply shortages by 2100, driving a push for advanced recycling and circular economy policies in the EU to secure strategic raw materials.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/resource-scarcity-drives-global-push-for-strategic-material-recycling

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Cite as: Global strategic material scarcity and recycling efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-strategic-material-scarcity-and-recycling-efforts