The event explores the latest thinking in metal recycling and critical raw material recovery. The RRRM found that there is considerable potential to expand responsible metals recycling which can help secure supplies of critical and strategic minerals while reducing negative impacts. Structural limitations of markets, policy and enforcement mean externalities are not priced into transactions and incentives are not always strong enough to improve conditions. Renewed interest in reducing losses and securing supplies, together with a changing legal background means there are significant opportunities for the recycling sector to deliver further benefit within metals value chains.
Findings and recommendations to be discussed include the growth in corporate due diligence policy, and assumptions around supply chain traceability. It noted that data on ESG risks is poor and impacts are often underestimated and under-reported, in particular, for post-consumer collection, processing and recycling where the ILO estimate over 20 million make a living, often at a subsistence level. It highlights the opportunities and limitations of due diligence and notes how the expectations on refiners and recyclers to demonstrate responsible practices are likely to grow. Potential solutions and opportunities for improvements will be discussed by a panel of experts.
These and other findings and recommendations will be published in a series of Reports which will be freely available at https://www.rrmroundtable.org/ to download and use. A summary Report, a one-page Route Map and a Risk Profile Guidance will be supported by three background reports with detailed findings and recommendations.
The Roundtable on the Responsible Recycling of Metals is a multi-stakeholder initiative that seeks to ensure there are appropriate standards, systems and tools available for the responsible production and sourcing of recycled metals. The RRRM’s activities are driven by regular roundtable engagement, supported and coordinated by the secretariat and overseen by the Steering Group. The Steering Group is responsible for guiding and funding the Roundtable activities, and adopting the output to be delivered by the RRRM. The Steering Group members are:
- Boliden
- Copper Mark
- International Copper Association (ICA)
- London Metal Exchange
- Mayer Environmental European Metal Recycling (EMR)
- ResponsibleSteel
- South African Research Chair Community of Practice: Waste to Value
- Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI)
- UK Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels (CARES)
- Wieland Group