A modern society needs access to all the critical raw materials (CRM) necessary to maintain and develop its industries, infrastructure and welfare. CRM are especially important for ongoing technology shifts like the European Green Deal and digitalisation processes.

Five milestones must be reached to establish Nordic secondary value chains for CRM:

1. A system that makes it possible to identify waste streams with CRM-recycling potential.
2. A system for cost-effective and efficient collection of waste streams with CRM-recycling potential.
3. A system for separating materials enriched with CRM from other materials in the waste stream.
4. A recycling technology that allows for recovery of all relevant CRM at acceptable rates.
5. Economically sustainable market conditions.