The materials transition: Sustainable, circular, and scalable

Materials account for approximately 20 percent of global GHG emissions. While this presents challenges in hard-to-abate subsectors, it also presents opportunities for players innovating to produce or source low-carbon materials. “While several uncertainties remain about how the materials transition will play out, governments and companies can plan strategic actions that are resilient across a broad range of outcomes,” write McKinsey’s Maria Gusakova, Thomas Hundertmark, Michel Van Hoey, and coauthors in a recent report. As COP28 wraps up, explore these insights to understand the barriers for the supply of green materials, actions and enablers to decarbonize materials, and what is required to capture new opportunities.

Join our virtual COP28 program to watch live, in-depth, inspiring discussions that drive climate action and growth, and bookmark the Sustainability Blog for daily conference highlights.

The net-zero materials transition: Implications for global supply chains

The Scope 3 challenge: Solutions across the materials value chain

A unique moment in time: Scaling plastics circularity

How a ‘materials transition’ can support the net-zero agenda

The circular cement value chain: Sustainable and profitable