--- title: "Recycling: A cornerstone of decarbonization" date: 2024-08-02T08:46:00-04:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/publications/recycling-a-cornerstone-of-decarbonization" section: Publications --- The extraction of natural resources is growing at an unbridled rate. So much so that the United Nations' International Resource Panel of experts, in its Global Resources Outlook 2024 report, calls for “urgent and concerted action” to slow the pace. If nothing is done, researchers estimate that this trend could increase by 60% by 2060, jeopardizing progress toward the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. 1. However, the energy transition heavily relies on certain metals and minerals that are expected to see a surge in demand over the next few years. “This means it's essential to innovate and find new recycling technologies,” explains Boris S., Principal Project Manager at BBA. “While we need to introduce many new materials into our economy to sustain it, we also need to develop new technologies that will increase our capacity to reuse materials.” Developing new recycling technologies is one of the most effective ways to massively decarbonize our economy. It can: \- Reduce a project's GHG emissions, as recycling is generally less energy-intensive than extraction \- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills \- Preserve biodiversity by limiting the destruction of natural habitats and the disruption of ecosystems \- Lower costs associated with extracting, refining and transporting materials \- Enhance independence and security in terms of natural resources by reducing our reliance on certain materials “At a time when we’re acutely aware of our impact on the planet, the industrial world is beginning to ask: Can we continue to produce technologies that we don't yet know how to recycle?” adds [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAOIunwBbO4DblhB2_4bSB3DVHizzVpgq4s)[Geoff Hall](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallgeoff/), National Sales Director at BBA. “Around the world, companies are pushing the limits of innovation to give new life to a wide range of waste materials. Finding solutions to make these ideas a reality is what makes engineering so exciting!” 2. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![4036](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/178718/4036.webp) Geoff Hall National Sales Director 2. ![7053](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/178720/7053.webp) Boris Stojanov Principal Project Manager - [ 17 ago 2026 Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions - ![Nicolas Samson](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/197852/Nicolas-Samson.webp) Nicolas Samson, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Structural ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/structural-engineering-early-phase-unlocking-value-through-early-decisions "Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions") - [ 12 ago 2026 Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets - ![Caroline provost](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/208557/Caroline-provost.webp) Caroline Provost P.Eng. Director, Operational Strategy Implementation ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/four-mistakes-that-can-harm-the-future-performance-of-industrial-assets "Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets") - [ 27 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/las-decisiones-sobre-relaves-definen-desempeno-mina-a-largo-plazo "Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo") - [ 02 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/python-una-herramienta-clave-para-analisis-datos-en-procesamiento-minerales "Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales") [ Ver todo ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas "Ir a la página del listado de Publications") Un mañana sostenible que empieza hoy [ Descubra nuestro Informe ESG 2022 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/sobre-nosotros/social-engagement-2) The extraction of natural resources is growing at an unbridled rate. So much so that the United Nations' International Resource Panel of experts, in its Global Resources Outlook 2024 report, calls for “urgent and concerted action” to slow the pace. If nothing is done, researchers estimate that this trend could increase by 60% by 2060, jeopardizing progress toward the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. 1. However, the energy transition heavily relies on certain metals and minerals that are expected to see a surge in demand over the next few years. “This means it's essential to innovate and find new recycling technologies,” explains Boris S., Principal Project Manager at BBA. “While we need to introduce many new materials into our economy to sustain it, we also need to develop new technologies that will increase our capacity to reuse materials.” Developing new recycling technologies is one of the most effective ways to massively decarbonize our economy. It can: \- Reduce a project's GHG emissions, as recycling is generally less energy-intensive than extraction \- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills \- Preserve biodiversity by limiting the destruction of natural habitats and the disruption of ecosystems \- Lower costs associated with extracting, refining and transporting materials \- Enhance independence and security in terms of natural resources by reducing our reliance on certain materials “At a time when we’re acutely aware of our impact on the planet, the industrial world is beginning to ask: Can we continue to produce technologies that we don't yet know how to recycle?” adds [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAOIunwBbO4DblhB2_4bSB3DVHizzVpgq4s)[Geoff Hall](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallgeoff/), National Sales Director at BBA. “Around the world, companies are pushing the limits of innovation to give new life to a wide range of waste materials. Finding solutions to make these ideas a reality is what makes engineering so exciting!” 2. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA