Material circularity in the UK's foundation industries

Bolson, Natanael, Ahmadinia, Masoud, Setchi, Rossi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7207-6544, Evans, Sam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3664-2569 and Cullen, Jonathan 2026. Material circularity in the UK's foundation industries. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 227 , 108728. 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108728

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Abstract

As the UK advances toward its 2050 net-zero target, moving beyond energy efficiency to comprehensive resource management is essential. This study evaluates how circular economy principles can reshape the use of aluminium, lead, steel, glass, and paper in the UK’s foundation industries. Using a circularity index, we assess current performance and identify improvement pathways, quantifying the potential of enhanced recycling and material reuse. Results show that circularity strategies alone could reduce emissions by 42% and energy use by 17%, with reductions rising to 69% and 56% respectively, when combined with best-practice energy intensities. While aluminium and steel offer the largest gains, barriers remain for lead, glass, and paper due to technical and quality constraints. These findings highlight the opportunities and the complexities of industrial circularity, providing evidence to guide policymakers and industry leaders in accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0921-3449
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	3 December 2025
Date of Acceptance:	30 November 2025
Last Modified:	04 Dec 2025 09:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/182887

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