How much CO2 equivalent is in a tool or a machine component? Under what conditions were raw minerals mined? Tool makers and metal goods manufacturers have to face increasingly pressing questions from their customers. In the tight legal corset of supply chain laws, reporting requirements and emissions taxation, the answers become more complex, transformative advances become the central competitive factor.

Many metal and mineral processing companies, especially smaller ones, are still in their early stages. Renewable energies are an opportunity: unlike large metal manufacturers with CO2 and energy-intensive production, smaller processors have lower energy consumption and can more easily score points with energy efficiency and renewable energies.

The recording of CO2 emissions in operations shows further optimization potential, e.g. in reprocessing emissions or in logistics, forklifts and trucks. Procurement of raw materials from sustainable sources with eco-fair mining conditions is also relevant. Further great opportunities for transformation lie in the development of re-use concepts with which tools or tool components or natural materials used can be recycled or reused. The innovative strength of metal and mineral processing companies is driving progress in the transition to a climate-neutral circular economy. As a supplier to many downstream production sectors, the industry is a key driving force for change. When it comes to raw materials, you have to look closely. Whether natural stone, gold, silver or metal ores – when it comes to origin, the focus on compliance with human rights and fair working conditions is crucial. A relevant transformative path is the use of recycled materials such as scrap metal or scrap gold with a more favorable environmental balance.

The industry includes, for example, the production of metal goods such as tanks, boilers, parts, cutlery, tools, locks, gold and silversmith’s goods as well as mineral processing, e.g. natural stones for abrasives. Mining companies that extract raw materials for further processing are assigned to the “raw materials industry” sector.