Material Flows and Efficiency

Abstract

Attempts to track material flows and the calculation of efficiency for material systems go hand in hand. Questions of where materials come from, where materials go to, and how much material is lost along the way are embedded in human societies. This article reviews material flows, their analysis, and progress toward material efficiency. We focus first on material flow analysis (MFA) and the three key tenets of any MFA: presentation of materials, visualization of the flow structure, and insight derived from analysis. Reviewing recent literature, we explore how each of these concepts is described, organized, and presented in MFA studies. We go on to show the role of MFA in material efficiency calculations and what-if scenario analysis for informed decision-making. We investigate the origins and motivations behind the material efficiency paradigm and the key efficiency strategies and practices developed in recent years and conclude by suggesting priorities for a future research agenda.