The EU economy uses a large amount of materials, of which only a few come from recycled waste. Hence, the circular material use rate (CMUR) has been increasing only slightly in the last 20 years. In order to reach EU´s circular economy targets, this rate must double by 2030.

Efforts should include, for example, reducing use and increasing recycling of non-metallic minerals (e.g. construction materials), which account for amost half of all the materials used.

The briefing analyses the trends of material use in Europe, the environmental impacts, and future prospects for 2030.

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