What this indicator measures
Secondary raw materials are by-products or materials that have reached the end of the waste phase but that can be used as raw materials in another production process under certain conditions, and if they have a number of characteristics (as set out in the Flemish Region by the Materials Decree (link EMIS Navigator (vito.be)) and VLAREMA (link EMIS Navigator (vito.be))).
In a circular economy, all secondary raw materials are reused as raw materials in the material cycle and the use of primary raw materials is reduced. This reduces the environmental impact of the production and consumption of primary raw materials. Thus, to move forward in the transition to a circular economy, it is important to avoid the use of primary raw materials or replace them with secondary raw materials.
This indicator as an output marker tells us more about avoiding the use of primary resources or replacing primary resources with secondary resources.
Link to a (sample) matching strategic goal
- “Possible roll-out of information obligations on secondary raw materials throughout the port area” (Port of Antwerp – OVAM Agreement, 2021-2023)
How data are collected and managed
As for Indictaor 11, in order to acquire the necessary data, PMBs must conduct a survey with the port companies, which is the reason why this indicator is less feasible.
Current limitations
For this indicator, all manufacturing companies must be surveyed, not just those which have circular activities. This makes it time consuming and more costly since the data needs to be collected through annual surveys. Moreover, accurate data is not always available and some companies have to abide by strict confidentiality policies.
The measurement is restricted to the port area, a legally defined territory which is under the management of the PMB (PMB). For example, the boundaries of the Flemish ports are determined by a decision of the Flemish Government.
Where to start and the perspectives to improve
Once MATIS (MATerials Information System, on the level of the Flemish Region) is operational, seconday material flows will be traceble through the recycling process and ultimately maps their application in new products.
The introduction of OVAM’s MATIS system , however, will be able to provide some information on the destinations of processed waste for Flanders. While this will contribute in part to the data required, this will not include data for energy, CO2 and water.