Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has published a new report that provides insight into the use of materials in the Dutch economy. This report, entitled 'Energetic versus non-energetic use of materials', shows how fossil and biotic raw materials are used and what the consequences are for the circular economy.
Materials can be used in two ways:
- Energetic use – this involves burning materials or otherwise using them as an energy source, for example wood as fuel or petroleum for petrol production.
- Non-energetic use – materials are used for other applications, such as wood in construction or petroleum as a raw material for plastics.
The report also makes an additional distinction within the non-energy use of biotic raw materials: materials can be used as food or as raw materials for products. This distinction is important for the circular economy, because materials that are used as food or energy are largely lost and are difficult to reuse.
A detailed material analysis
Statistics Netherlands has compiled an extensive database in which all non-energy material flows are analysed. The use of secondary raw materials, such as recycled plastic or construction waste, is also examined. This is important for the Cyclical Material Use Rate (CMUR), an indicator that measures the extent to which materials are reused within the economy.
The analysis shows that in the Netherlands the use of materials varies greatly per sector and application:
- Fossil raw materials are mainly used for energy (for example as fuel), but a significant portion is also used for the production of plastics and chemicals.
- Mineral materials are used almost exclusively for non-energetic purposes, especially in the construction sector (concrete, cement, natural stone).
- Biomass has a wide range of applications, from food and feed to building materials and bioplastics.
Sector analysis: where is the potential for sustainability?
The report zooms in on specific sectors, such as construction and the chemical industry. Some interesting findings are made:
- In construction industry approximately 2% of the materials used consist of biobased raw materials, such as wood and biobased insulation material. There is potential to increase this share if alternatives to concrete and other mineral materials are further developed.
- In chemical sector currently only 3% of raw materials are derived from biomass, mainly vegetable oils and fats. However, there are opportunities to further replace fossil raw materials with biobased alternatives.
The circular economy and the new material CMUR
The CMUR measures how much secondary materials are reused within the economy. An important adjustment in this report is the calculation of an alternative material-CMUR, excluding food and energy use. This provides a more realistic picture of the extent to which materials are actually used in a circular manner.
The main results:
- De original CMUR for the Dutch economy in 2022 amounts to 13 %.
- De new material-CMUR (which focuses on non-energy applications) rises to 21 %.
- Especially for biomass and fossil materials, the CMUR increases significantly when energy applications are excluded.
Challenges and next steps
While the report provides much insight, some challenges remain:
- Double counting in the data: Some materials are counted in multiple sectors, which can affect the accuracy of the figures.
- Uncertainties in material compositions: For composite products, such as furniture or packaging, it is difficult to determine exactly what percentage consists of biobased or fossil materials.
- Development of new indicators: There is a need for more sector-specific indicators, for example for the growth of bioplastics or biobased building materials.
The report provides valuable insights that can help policymakers and companies stimulate a more sustainable and circular economy. Through further research and targeted policy measures, the use of biobased materials in the construction and chemical industries can be increased, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable use of raw materials.
