Germany: Materials demand to remain stable

A report on commodity demand in Germany shows promising figures until 2035. 

The Federal Association of Materials - Nonmetallic Minerals published a study on "the demand for primary and secondary raw materials in the rock and earth industry by 2035 in Germany, reports Beton. 

"All in all, the German economy remains in the future on a sustainable supply of mineral raw materials. This is proven by the impresive new figures," said Michael Basten, President of the association. The results show that the demand for primary raw materials, at a relatively low economic growth (GDP: + 0.8 percent per year) will be 523 million tonnes in 2035, slightly below the 2013 level (544 million tonnes). In a stronger economic growth (GDP: + 1.7 percent per year), the demand for primary raw materials could reach 650 million tonnes.

The use of secondary raw materials makes an important contribution to the substitution of primary raw materials and thus contributes actively to save resources. "With a substitution rate of around 15% and the recovery of more than 90% of all mineral construction waste, we make an important contribution to the recycling economy. In future, however, we have to adjust to some significant changes in the secondary materials market," said Basten.