What’s happening
The EU is introducing digital product passports, and AI-powered sorting robots are operating in recycling plants. Tracking remains patchy across most supply chains.
Timing: LATER — roughly 5–10 years before this becomes structural.
Why it matters
When material data is reliable, recycled materials become a dependable supply — reducing waste, costs and dependence on mining.
What would make it real
- Product passports required across major product categories
- Recycled materials priced competitively with new ones
- Manufacturers design products for easy disassembly
What would kill it
- Data requirements delayed or weakened
- Recycled material prices collapse
- Mixed-material products remain too hard to separate