New European Environment Agency briefing on Material stocks in Circular Economy

How much material is already accumulated in Europe’s economy and what role does it play in the circular economy transition?

A new European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing on Material stocks in a circular economy, based on the research by the Institute of Social Ecology (BOKU) and TRINOMICS highlights the enormous scale and importance of material stocks: the buildings, infrastructure, machinery and products that underpin our daily lives.
In 2022, material stocks in the EU reached 344 tonnes per person, with almost 99% concentrated in buildings and infrastructure.

The briefing explores how these stocks can become a valuable source of secondary raw materials, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and resource security. Key insights include the rapid growth of material stocks over recent decades, the challenges posed by maintenance and replacement needs, and the untapped potential of circular design, reuse and high-quality recycling.

The briefing note conveys important insights, partly stemming from work within REMASS, to a broader audience—mainly public administration, expert organisations, environmental monitoring bodies, and consultancies.

A timely read for anyone interested in circular economy, resource use and Europe’s industrial future.

Read the full briefing here.