Circular economy: A strategic lever for securing raw materials

Faced with volatile global markets and supply tensions, the circular economy is emerging as a strategic tool for strengthening Algeria's industrial autonomy. Optimizing the use of materials, intelligently substituting and structuring recycling, not only secures critical raw materials but also improves the competitiveness of the national economy.

Reducing dependence on imports

Long perceived as an environmental initiative, the circular economy is now an industrial and geopolitical lever. In a context where materials such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths, and graphite are essential for mobility, energy, and electronics, every ton saved or recycled becomes a strategic resource. It helps reduce dependence on imports, stabilize costs, and reduce the carbon footprint of industries.

According to Dr Nadjib Drouiche, Director of Research at the Centre for Research in Semiconductor Technology for Energy (CRTSE) in Algeria, reducing usage depends on the design and optimization of industrial processes. More specifically, he highlights the petrochemical sector, where more efficient catalytic processes can reduce the consumption of additives or catalysts based on rare metals. In the steel and cement industries, the integration of slag or scrap metal reduces the use of raw materials while limiting CO₂ emissions.

Substitution complements this approach. It involves replacing critical materials with more abundant, recycled, or less expensive alternatives. Simplified alloys, high-performance recycled polymers, and alternative catalysts reduce dependence on imports and improve industrial resilience. These choices must be evaluated over the entire life cycle to avoid adverse effects and ensure a net positive environmental impact.

Transforming waste into resources

According to the CRTSE's research director, recycling is “the most visible pillar of the circular economy.” He believes it allows end-of-life materials to be recovered and reintroduced into production chains. Three models can be implemented in Algeria. These are large, centralized units owned by industrial groups, smaller regional structures near municipalities, or hybrid models combining local sorting centres and regional recovery units. For critical metals, the creation of regional clusters dedicated to electronic waste, batteries, and automotive parts allows for local sorting and pre-treatment before recovery.

Aluminium and steel can also be reintroduced through the recovery of industrial scrap, rapidly reducing the consumption of raw materials and securing supply. According to recent statistics, Algeria generates nearly 34 million tons of waste per year, a significant portion of which could be recovered in a fully operational circular economy. Despite a low overall recycling rate, estimated at between 10 and 12% of total waste produced, the recovery of recyclable materials represents a major economic opportunity.

According to Dr Nadjib Derwiche, European experiences offer concrete benchmarks. The recycling of end-of-life vehicles and lithium-ion batteries illustrates the effectiveness of integrated sectors. Strategic components, such as electric motors, magnets, and batteries, are recovered and sent to certified recyclers, limiting dependence on imports. In the aluminium sector, well-organised flows enable recycling rates of over 80%. Vertical integration between collectors, smelters, and producers stabilizes the supply of secondary materials and reduces industrial costs.

Measuring and steering the transition

For Algeria,  establishing a regulated market for secondary materials, with certification and traceability, could stimulate the use of recycled materials, according to Nadjib Drouiche. Tax incentives and green public procurement, requiring a minimum percentage of recycled material, would also promote the adoption and profitability of local industries. According to experts, an efficient recycling system could generate up to 92 billion dinars per year, while reducing dependence on imported materials and creating new value chains.

The success of the circular economy depends, Dr Drouiche insists, on “effective coordination between several actors.” The state could intervene through regulatory incentives, such as extended producer responsibility and tax modulation. The private sector invests in structured industries, while universities and research centres support innovation in materials and processes. The integration of the informal collection sector is also crucial. In several North African countries, its gradual formalization has secured collection volumes while generating local jobs.

La réussite repose sur des indicateurs simples et concrets. Le Dr Drouiche évoque le taux de recyclage interne, réduction des achats de matières primaires, coûts évités. Les audits, projets pilotes et partenariats industriels constituent la base d’une feuille de route réaliste sur 5 ans. Pour l’Algérie, l’économie circulaire appliquée aux matières premières critiques représente un levier de souveraineté industrielle, de compétitivité économique et de transition écologique. Chaque tonne recyclée ou économisée devient une ressource stratégique au service du développement durable et de l’avenir industriel du pays.