Raw materials, metallurgy, recycling

In a sector where the management of metallic raw materials and recycling is becoming a strategic challenge, expertise and control of material flows are essential. WeLOOP supports stakeholders in the metallurgy sector with solutions designed to optimize the management, traceability and valorization of materials.

Strategic challenges in the raw materials, metallurgy and recycling sector

The critical materials sector presents strategic challenges to ensure their efficient use throughout the entire lifecycle.

Critical materials management: Identify and track the use of key metals and raw materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths, copper)
Sustainable sourcing: Ensure responsible and resilient sourcing.

Material flow analysis : Analyse economy-wide material flows to better plan and optimise their use.
Recycling and recovery: Develop high-quality metallurgical recycling solutions to reintroduce materials into the economy.

Our services

Focus on our sector-specific MFA expertise

Material flow analysis (MFA) is defined system, , typically at the level of a region or economy. Based on the principle of mass conservation, it tracks the input, transformation, and output of materials, providing a clear and measurable view of cycles that are often invisible within human and natural systems.

Why is MFA important ?

It provides a comprehensive, data-driven view of material flows throughout their lifecycle.

It enables the quantification of productive resource use and the measurement of losses.

It is essential for critical raw materials due to supply risks and high costs.

Applications and benefits

It identifies resource losses and inefficiencies in material use.

It enables the optimization of the use of recycled or secondary materials.

It assesses the real physical potential of a circular economy.

How does MFA support R&D?

It identifies stages in material systems where losses are significant or recycling rates are low, helping to prioritise areas for innovation. It provides quantitative evidence that can inform the targeting of investments toward interventions with potential large-scale impact. When combined with Life Cycle Assessment, it can link product-level environmental assessment with resource management strategies at the economy-wide scale.

Discover our R&D department