In its position paper "Framework conditions for the future of materials",Acatech advocates fair competitive conditions. In the paper, the experts from the National Academy of Science and Engineering shed light on how the price of energy or emissions trading, the availability of raw materials, material efficiency and recyclability affect the development, production and use of materials in Germany. In general, the Academy warns that the local materials industry is dependent on fair competitive conditions so that it does not migrate abroad. At the same time, the recommendations are aimed at a more efficient use of raw materials, greater recycling and the avoidance of conflicting regulatory objectives.

Fair and sustainable treatment required

Above all, the position paper criticizes the handling of old products: Germany exports its scrap abroad, where the valuable components are recycled - regardless of the consequences for the environment and the health of the local population. In Acatech's opinion, domestic recycling in the resource cycle in the sense of a circular economy must be promoted instead and incorporated into the design of products and the materials used. The Academy also sees a need for action on the part of politicians: they could support such a development by applying the European Ecodesign Directive to the entire life cycle. To date, the focus has been on using materials as sparingly as possible - but often at the expense of reusability. This is just one example of conflicting objectives in the regulation of materials that should be resolved in directives and regulations. In addition, the Ecodesign Directive must be extended to all sectors, as the automotive industry, for example, has so far been excluded.

National and EU regulations such as European emissions trading or electricity prices must also not jeopardize the economic competitiveness of the German materials industry. As a country with comparatively few raw materials, Germany is dependent on fair and open competition. The energy-intensive materials industry will continue to need exemptions from energy costs. Otherwise it could move to countries that produce more cheaply.

Acatech sees a competitive advantage for the future in a closer link between research laboratories and industry in order to develop new materials. However, this is also a challenge for companies, which are sometimes reluctant to use new materials: They must train employees in the use of new materials, establish new work processes and purchase new machines. Further information can be found at http://www.acatech.de/publikation/zukunft-der-werkstoffe.

According to documents from Acatech / ag