Blog

Lorek, S. & Spangenberg, J. H. Sustainable consumption within a sustainable economy–beyond green growth and green economies. J. Clean. Prod. 63, 33–44 (2014).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Rogelj, J. et al. Paris Agreement climate proposals need a boost to keep warming well below 2 C. Nature 534, 631–639 (2016).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Sachs, J. D., Schmidt-Traub, G., Mazzucato, M., Messner, D. & Nakicenovic, N. Rockström J. Six transformations to achieve the sustainable development goals. Nat. Sustain. 2, 805–814 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Enhancing circular economy as a contribution to achieving sustainable consumption and production. UNEP (2022).

Friant, M. C., Vermeulen, W. J. & Salomone, R. Analysing European Union circular economy policies: words versus actions. Sustain. Prod. Consum. 27, 337–353 (2021).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Zhu, J., Fan, C., Shi, H. & Shi, L. Efforts for a circular economy in China: A comprehensive review of policies. J. Ind. Ecol. 23, 110–118 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Herrador, M., De Jong, W., Nasu, K. & Granrath, L. Circular economy and zero-carbon strategies between Japan and South Korea: A comparative study. Sci. Total Environ. 820, 153274 (2022).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Xiong, X., Zhao, L., Xu, G. & Zeng, X. The Evolution of Neodymium Cycle, Urban Minerals, and Trade in China. Journal of Sustainability 1, 1–16 (2025).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Zeng, X. & Xiong, X. Economic Performance of Urban Mining for Future Resource Supply. In: The Oxford Handbook on the Greening of Economic Development. (Oxford University Press, 2025).

Zeng, X., Mathews, J. A. & Li, J. Urban mining of e-waste is becoming more cost-effective than virgin mining. Environ. Sci. Technol. 52, 4835–4841 (2018).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Arora, M., Raspall, F., Fearnley, L. & Silva, A. Urban mining in buildings for a circular economy: Planning, process and feasibility prospects. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 174, 105754 (2021).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Boxall, N. J. et al. Urban mining of lithium-ion batteries in Australia: Current state and future trends. Miner. Eng. 128, 45–55 (2018).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Funari, V., Toller, S., Vitale, L., Santos, R. M. & Gomes, H. I. Urban mining of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) residues with emphasis on bioleaching technologies: a critical review. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 30, 59128–59150 (2023).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Zhang, L., Zhong, Y. & Geng, Y. A bibliometric and visual study on urban mining. J. Clean. Prod. 239, 118067 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Xue, Y., Bressers, H. & Wen, Z. A massive urban symbiosis: a preliminary review of the urban mining pilot base programme in China. Towards Zero Waste: Circular Economy Boost, Waste to Resources, 121–143 (2018).

Hao, H. et al. Impact of transport electrification on critical metal sustainability with a focus on the heavy-duty segment. Nat. Commun. 10, 5398 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Xu, X., Chase, N. & Peng, T. Economic structural change and freight transport demand in China. Energy Policy 158, 112567 (2021).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Hao, H., Geng, Y., Li, W. & Guo, B. Energy consumption and GHG emissions from China’s freight transport sector: scenarios through 2050. Energy Policy 85, 94–101 (2015).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Song, L. et al. China’s bulk material loops can be closed but deep decarbonization requires demand reduction. Nat. Clim. Change 13, 1136–1143 (2023).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Zeng, X., Ali, S. H., Tian, J. & Li, J. Mapping anthropogenic mineral generation in China and its implications for a circular economy. Nat. Commun. 11, 1544 (2020).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

De Oliveira Neto, G. C., Vendrametto, O., Naas, I. A., Palmeri, N. L. & Lucato, W. C. Environmental impact reduction as a result of cleaner production implementation: a case study in the truck industry. J. Clean. Prod. 129, 681–692 (2016).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Toktarova, A., Walter, V., Göransson, L. & Johnsson, F. Interaction between electrified steel production and the north European electricity system. Appl. Energy 310, 118584 (2022).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Shao, S., Liu, J., Geng, Y., Miao, Z. & Yang, Y. Uncovering driving factors of carbon emissions from China’s mining sector. Appl. Energy 166, 220–238 (2016).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Reck, B. K. & Graedel, T. E. Challenges in metal recycling. Science 337, 690–695 (2012).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Dunn, J. B., Gaines, L., Sullivan, J. & Wang, M. Q. Impact of recycling on cradle-to-gate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of automotive lithium-ion batteries. Environ. Sci. Technol. 46, 12704–12710 (2012).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Bringezu, S., Schütz, H., Steger, S. & Baudisch, J. International comparison of resource use and its relation to economic growth: The development of total material requirement, direct material inputs and hidden flows and the structure of TMR. Ecol. Econ. 51, 97–124 (2004).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Kosai, S. & Yamasue, E. Global warming potential and total material requirement in metal production: Identification of changes in environmental impact through metal substitution. Sci. Total Environ. 651, 1764–1775 (2019).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Henckens, M., Driessen, P. & Worrell, E. Metal scarcity and sustainability, analyzing the necessity to reduce the extraction of scarce metals. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 93, 1–8 (2014).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Nag, U., Sharma, S. K. & Govindan, K. Investigating drivers of circular supply chain with product-service system in automotive firms of an emerging economy. J. Clean. Prod. 319, 128629 (2021).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Hertwich, E. G. et al. Material efficiency strategies to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with buildings, vehicles, and electronics—a review. Environ. Res. Lett. 14, 043004 (2019).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Zhang, L. et al. Collaborative approach for environmental and economic optimization based on life cycle assessment of end-of-life vehicles’ dismantling in China. J. Clean. Prod. 276, 124288 (2020).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Raimi, M. O. et al. Leaving no one behind: impact of soil pollution on biodiversity in the global south: a global call for action. In: Biodiversity in Africa: potentials, threats and conservation. Springer (2022).

Sakai, S. et al. An international comparative study of end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling systems. J. Mater. Cycles Waste Manag. 16, 1–20 (2014).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Sato, F. E. K., Furubayashi, T. & Nakata, T. Application of energy and CO2 reduction assessments for end-of-life vehicles recycling in Japan. Appl. Energy 237, 779–794 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Yu, Z., Tianshan, M., Rehman, S. A., Sharif, A. & Janjua, L. Evolutionary game of end-of-life vehicle recycling groups under government regulation. Clean Technol. Environ. Policy 25, 1473–1484 (2023).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Karagoz, S., Aydin, N. & Simic, V. End-of-life vehicle management: A comprehensive review. J. Mater. Cycles Waste Manag. 22, 416–442 (2020).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Sun, J. & Xiao, Z. Channel selection for automotive parts remanufacturer under government replacement-subsidy. Eur. J. Ind. Eng. 12, 808–831 (2018).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Gan, J. & Luo, L. Using DEMATEL and intuitionistic fuzzy sets to identify critical factors influencing the recycling rate of end-of-life vehicles in China. Sustainability 9, 1873 (2017).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Zhou, F., Lim, M. K., He, Y., Lin, Y. & Chen, S. End-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling management: Improving performance using an ISM approach. J. Clean. Prod. 228, 231–243 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Qiao, D., Wang, G., Gao, T., Wen, B. & Dai, T. Potential impact of the end-of-life batteries recycling of electric vehicles on lithium demand in China: 2010–2050. Sci. Total Environ. 764, 142835 (2021).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Li, Y. et al. The potential and trend of end-of-life passenger vehicles recycling in China. Sustainability 12, 1455 (2020).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Ohno, H. et al. Optimal recycling of steel scrap and alloying elements: input-output based linear programming method with its application to end-of-life vehicles in Japan. Environ. Sci. Technol. 51, 13086–13094 (2017).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Xu, G., Yano, J. & Sakai, S. Recycling potentials of precious metals from end-of-life vehicle parts by selective dismantling. Environ. Sci. Technol. 53, 733–742 (2018).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Restrepo, E. et al. Stocks, flows, and distribution of critical metals in embedded electronics in passenger vehicles. Environ. Sci. Technol. 51, 1129–1139 (2017).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Andersson, M., Söderman, M. L. & Sandén, B. A. Are scarce metals in cars functionally recycled? Waste Manag 60, 407–416 (2017).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Li, Y., Liu, Y., Chen, Y., Huang, S. & Ju, Y. Projection of end-of-life vehicle population and recyclable metal resources: Provincial-level gaps in China. Sustain. Prod. Consum. 31, 818–827 (2022).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Tan, Q., Li, J., Yang, L. & Xu, G. Cascade use potential of retired traction batteries for renewable energy storage in China under carbon peak vision. J. Clean. Prod. 412, 137379 (2023).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Liu, M. et al. End-of-life passenger vehicles recycling decision system in China based on dynamic material flow analysis and life cycle assessment. Waste Manag 117, 81–92 (2020).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

China is ‘certain’ to have overtaken Japan as the world’s top auto exporter in 2023. In: CNN (2024).

Li, J., Yu, K. & Gao, P. Recycling and pollution control of the End of Life Vehicles in China. J. Mater. Cycles Waste Manag. 16, 31–38 (2014).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Wang, J. et al. Institutional, technology, and policies of end-of-life vehicle recycling industry and its indication on the circular economy-comparative analysis between China and Japan. Front. Sustain. 2, 645843 (2021).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Eheliyagoda, D., Xiong, X. & Zeng, X. The Position of China in Neodymium Utilization: Trend and Challenges. ACS Sustainable Resour. Manage. 1, 2621–2629 (2024).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Qiao, Q., Zhao, F., Liu, Z. & Hao, H. Electric vehicle recycling in China: Economic and environmental benefits. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 140, 45–53 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Fatimah, Y. A., Govindan, K., Murniningsih, R. & Setiawan, A. Industry 4.0 based sustainable circular economy approach for smart waste management system to achieve sustainable development goals: A case study of Indonesia. J. Clean. Prod. 269, 122263 (2020).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Safder, U., Tariq, S. & Yoo, C. Multilevel optimization framework to support self-sustainability of industrial processes for energy/material recovery using circular integration concept. Appl. Energy 324, 119685 (2022).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Graedel, T. E. et al. What do we know about metal recycling rates? J. Ind. Ecol. 15, 355–366 (2011).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Zhang, L. & Xu, Z. A critical review of material flow, recycling technologies, challenges and future strategy for scattered metals from minerals to wastes. J. Clean. Prod. 202, 1001–1025 (2018).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Bui, T. D., Tseng, J. W., Tseng, M. L. & Lim, M. K. Opportunities and challenges for solid waste reuse and recycling in emerging economies: A hybrid analysis. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 177, 105968 (2022).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Nuss, P. & Eckelman, M. J. Life cycle assessment of metals: a scientific synthesis. PloS one 9, e101298 (2014).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Sun, Z., Xiao, Y., Agterhuis, H., Sietsma, J. & Yang, Y. Recycling of metals from urban mines–a strategic evaluation. J. Clean. Prod. 112, 2977–2987 (2016).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Vélez-Henao, J. A. & Pauliuk, S. Material requirements of decent living standards. Environ. Sci. Technol. 57, 14206–14217 (2023).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Kosai, S., Matsui, K., Matsubae, K., Yamasue, E. & Nagasaka, T. Natural resource use of gasoline, hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles considering land disturbances. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 166, 105256 (2021).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Dong, H. et al. Achieving carbon emission reduction through industrial & urban symbiosis: A case of Kawasaki. Energy 64, 277–286 (2014).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Mallick P. K. Materials, design and manufacturing for lightweight vehicles. Woodhead publishing (2020).

Jirang, C. & Roven, H. J. Recycling of automotive aluminum. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China 20, 2057–2063 (2010).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Assessment of Aluminium Usage in China’s Automobile Industry 2016-2030. IAI (2019).

Ou, S. et al. China’s vehicle electrification impacts on sales, fuel use, and battery material demand through 2050: Optimizing consumer and industry decisions. Iscience 24, (2021).

Saidani, M., Yannou, B., Leroy, Y. & Cluzel, F. Dismantling, remanufacturing and recovering heavy vehicles in a circular economy—Technico-economic and organisational lessons learnt from an industrial pilot study. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 156, 104684 (2020).

Article 

Google Scholar 

China. National Bureau of Statistics. https://data.stats.gov.cn/easyquery.htm?cn=C01.

Zeng, X., Ali, S. H. & Li, J. Estimation of waste outflows for multiple product types in China from 2010–2050. Scientific Data 8, 15 (2021).

Article 

Google Scholar 

London Metal Exchange https://www.lme.com.

Asmatulu, E., Twomey, J. & Overcash, M. Evaluation of recycling efforts of aircraft companies in Wichita. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 80, 36–45 (2013).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Song, L. & Chen, W. Stocks and flows of steel in automobiles, vessels and household appliances in China. Nat. Resour. J. 35, 895–907 (2020).

Google Scholar 

Cramer J. S. The origins of logistic regression. Tinbergen Institute discussion paper (2002).

Nakatani, J. & Moriguchi, Y. Time-series product and substance flow analyses of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment in China. Waste Manag 34, 489–497 (2014).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Kuong, I. H., Li, J., Zhang, J. & Zeng, X. Estimating the evolution of urban mining resources in Hong Kong, up to the year 2050. Environ. Sci. Technol. 53, 1394–1403 (2019).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Araujo, M. G., Magrini, A., Mahler, C. F. & Bilitewski, B. A model for estimation of potential generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment in Brazil. Waste Manag 32, 335–342 (2012).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Mmereki, D., Li, B. & Wang, L. Estimation of waste electronic and electrical equipment arising in Botswana-A case study of Gaborone City. Int. J. Environ. Sci. 3, 441–452 (2012).

CAS 

Google Scholar 

Yedla, S. Development of a methodology for electronic waste estimation: A material flow analysis-based SYE-Waste Model. Waste Manag. Res. 34, 81–86 (2016).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Wang, F., Huisman, J., Stevels, A. & Baldé, C. P. Enhancing e-waste estimates: Improving data quality by multivariate Input–Output Analysis. Waste Manag 33, 2397–2407 (2013).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Zhang, L., Lu, Q., Yuan, W., Jiang, S. & Wu, H. Characterizing end-of-life household vehicles’ generations in China: Spatial-temporal patterns and resource potentials. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 177, 105979 (2022).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Gómez, M. et al. Navigating the future: China’s photovoltaic roadmap challenges. Sci. Bull. 68, 2491–2494 (2023).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Ramkrishna, D. & Mahoney, A. W. Population balance modeling. Promise for the future. Chem. Eng. Sci. 57, 595–606 (2002).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Müller, D. B. Stock dynamics for forecasting material flows—Case study for housing in The Netherlands. Ecol. Econ. 59, 142–156 (2006).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Sartori, I., Sandberg, N. H. & Brattebø, H. Dynamic building stock modelling: General algorithm and exemplification for Norway. Energy and Buildings 132, 13–25 (2016).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Wiedenhofer, D., Fishman, T., Lauk, C., Haas, W. & Krausmann, F. Integrating material stock dynamics into economy-wide material flow accounting: concepts, modelling, and global application for 1900–2050. Ecol. Econ. 156, 121–133 (2019).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Lauinger, D., Billy, R. G., Vásquez, F. & Müller, D. B. A general framework for stock dynamics of populations and built and natural environments. J. Ind. Ecol. 25, 1136–1146 (2021).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Lin, M. et al. Response to the upcoming emerging waste: necessity and feasibility analysis of photovoltaic waste recovery in China. Environ. Sci. Technol. 56, 17396–17409 (2022).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Nakamoto, Y., Tokito, S. & Kito, M. Impact of vehicle electrification on global supply chains and emission transfer. Environ. Res. Lett. 18, 054021 (2023).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Yao, P. et al. The role of nickel recycling from nickel-bearing batteries on alleviating demand-supply gap in China’s industry of new energy vehicles. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 170, 105612 (2021).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Ziemann, S., Müller, D. B., Schebek, L. & Weil, M. Modeling the potential impact of lithium recycling from EV batteries on lithium demand: A dynamic MFA approach. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 133, 76–85 (2018).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Li, W., Bai, H., Yin, J. & Xu, H. Life cycle assessment of end-of-life vehicle recycling processes in China—take Corolla taxis for example. J. Clean. Prod. 117, 176–187 (2016).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Quinkertz, R., Rombach, G. & Liebig, D. A scenario to optimise the energy demand of aluminium production depending on the recycling quota. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 33, 217–234 (2001).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Watari, T., Cabrera Serrenho, A., Gast, L., Cullen, J. & Allwood, J. Feasible supply of steel and cement within a carbon budget is likely to fall short of expected global demand. Nat. Commun. 14, 7895 (2023).

Article 
CAS 

Google Scholar 

Xiong, X. et al. China’s recycling potential of large-scale public transport vehicles and its implications. Comm. Eng. 2, 56 (2023).

Article 

Google Scholar 

Islam, M. T. & Huda, N. Assessing the recycling potential of “unregulated” e-waste in Australia. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 152, 104526 (2020).

Article 

Google Scholar