Author name: Vladislav Sedov

Our resources are finite, and the reserves of rare metals, in particular, are depleting rapidly while the extraction costs for mineral resources are skyrocketing. Even sand is in short supply in some parts of the world. What tools do we have at our disposal to slow down the alarming rate of resource consumption? How are climate change and resource availability interconnected? How are companies across Europe implementing resource efficiency? Will digitalisation aid in resource preservation, or does it pose potential risks? On behalf of the Federal Environment Agency, N³ provided technical support for the European Resources Forum (ERF) and the National Resources Forum (NRF) in 2018. These forums feature presentations from resource management experts worldwide and offer a comprehensive summary of discussions involving over 400 participants from more than 50 countries (ERF) and over 300 participants from Germany (NRF).

We are a member of the “Future through Industry” initiative. This initiative was established in the wake of the economic crisis of 2008/2009, which demonstrated that Germany fared relatively well due to its robust and innovative industrial foundation. “Future through Industry” serves as a platform for discussions, focusing, among other things, on the innovations required for sustainable development. Imagine our lives without industrial products? How do we find a balance between industrial progress and climate protection? Join the conversation! Mark your calendar for the upcoming “Long Night of Industry” on 10th October 2019.

Innovations for a more sustainable waste management

Used textiles, waste batteries from electrical and electronic equipment, and demolition waste. The goal is to find more sustainable solutions! In a project* supported by the DBU, over a dozen companies involved in these three value chains, from waste collection to reuse or recycling, are collaboratively exploring opportunities for improvement at various stages and throughout the entire chain to enhance waste management sustainability. They are addressing challenges related to digitization, as well as opportunities and challenges arising from the legal framework and technological advancements. Where and how can these ideas be transformed into innovations? The research paper titled “What is Sustainable Waste Management?” created as part of this project can be found in the “Müll und Abfall 2018” magazine, Issue No. 10, pages 516-525. Additionally, you can download the interim status report of the project for the value chains of used textiles, waste batteries and demolition waste.

The Chinese government closes its national borders to foreign plastic waste. Dr. Henning Friege was asked several times for his assessment of the possible consequences. In an interview for the website of the Council for Sustainable Development (RNE), he explains the background of these measures and their consequences for plastic waste and plastic products in Germany and Europe.

Pharmaceutical substances don’t belong in the environment, but we find them in bodies of water – in some developing countries, to a threatening extent already. One consequence: The World Health Organization (WHO) observes an increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. In November 2017, N³ held a stakeholder conference on this topic as part of the national SAICM contributions. “SAICM” – the “Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management” is a global network under the direction of UNEP with the aim of making the handling of chemicals safer and identifying critical substances and applications. This is not an initiative determined solely by governments but a “multi-stakeholder approach” in which, among others, the chemical industry, environmental organizations, and trade unions participate. It is not about adopting additional binding regulations but about a globally more responsible handling of chemicals on a voluntary basis. Here you can find the results of the expert discussion on pharmaceuticals in the environment. Another SAICM stakeholder conference dealt with risks posed by construction chemicals and how to manage them.