Future Materials

Six of the nine planetary boundaries have been exceeded. Globally, the use of natural resources has tripled in the past 50 years, and in Sweden, we live as if we have the resources of four planets. Today's linear economic systems exploit the Earth's resources, leading to significant climate and environmental challenges. There is a pressing need for more concrete solutions that contribute to a circular system, effectively utilizing both raw materials and existing material flows. Through the program area Future Materials, Axfoundation brings together academia, businesses, and experts from the entire materials field to collectively find solutions for sustainable value chains and the circular utilization of natural resources.

Today's linear economy is built on short-term business logic. Axfoundation is developing practical solutions to drive the transition towards a circular economy.

Today's linear economy is built on short-term business logic. Axfoundation is developing practical solutions to drive the transition towards a circular economy.

The Issue

Since 1970, GDP has grown by 400%, leading to improved living standards for millions of people. However, this progress has come at the cost of the climate and the environment. During the same period, the extraction of both renewable and finite natural resources has increased by over 300%. If the use of raw materials continues at the current pace, it is projected to double by 2060. This concerning trend is occurring at a time when almost half of today’s climate impact is linked to unsustainable resource use. To achieve sustainable development, a comprehensive transformation is essential.

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per cent of the loss of biodiversity is due to the extraction and processing of materials.

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per cent of global water stress is due to the extraction and processing of materials.

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per cent – that’s how much Sweden must reduce its use of virgin raw materials by 2050 to stay within planetary boundaries.

About the Program

Within the Future Materials program area, Axfoundation is developing concrete solutions that contribute to a sustainable and circular system, efficiently utilizing both raw materials and existing material flows. We bring together representatives from various parts of the materials ecosystem: researchers, experts, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, entrepreneurs, industry organizations, and more. Together, we identify and develop solutions for future business models, transparent value chains, and the circular utilization of natural resources, with the aim of accelerating the transition towards sustainable development and spreading good examples.

From pilot to scale

Axfoundation, together with partners, drives pilots and innovation projects to test promising solutions in real-world scenarios – with the intention of scaling up and disseminating them if they prove successful. Torsåker Farm, Axfoundation’s test farm and development center, is a valuable catalyst in our work.

Growing resource scarcity and material shortages have amplified the risks associated with traditional linear growth and business models, which were once successful for companies. Business opportunities and competitiveness are pivotal in steering the essential transition. At Axfoundation, we are confident that the companies destined for future success are those with a strong ability to create business value and profitability through smart resource utilization. – Amelie Silfverstolpe, Acting Program Director, Future Materials

Successful Companies of the Future

To excel in the shift from today’s primarily linear economic system, driven by short-term business logic, to a sustainable circular model, companies must take the lead. This transformation can for example involve ensuring that all byproducts of raw materials or production processes find commercial applications. Or, developing customer offerings that enable the capitalization on a single product multiple times, thus extending its usefulness in the economy. Achieving successful circular solutions requires collaboration across sectors and borders.

Results

In Axfoundation’s Progress Report – Act to inspire & inspire to act – we share an extract of successful results from the program, but also examples of times when things didn’t go quite as planned. Because to innovate sustainable solutions and achieve transformative change, we need to have courage to fail.

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