Raw materials & feedstocks

In the developed world we live in a time of unprecedented convenience and mass affluence. However, this comfortable lifestyle comes at a cost with material demands currently at an all time high.

At the same time, the global population and affluence is still increasing and with this, further demand for more consumer goods. For the whole world to share the living standards currently enjoyed in the UK, the resources of three planet Earths would be required.¹ For a more equitable world, it is clear we all must do more with less material resource.

This section focuses specifically on the challenges we face in sustainable design, conservation of scarce natural resources, conversion of biomass feedstocks and recovered feedstocks.

[1] I will if you will: Towards sustainable consumption, Sustainable Consumption Roundtable, 2006