A strategic goal of social development is an increasing use of resources. Key for the future is a sustainable use of these resources, which ultimately requires a non-destructive resource lifecycle. Although complete recycling is impossible from the entropy point of view, the nearly “inexhaustible” combination of solar, wind and geothermal energy sources can be the driver for sustainability for the foreseeable future. This will facilitate the evolution of a true circular economy. However, this still leaves significant materials research needs, required to be able to access and use the energy sources and make them truly sustainable, as well as for the systems that use that energy. To truly realize the circular economy given the complex interplay of materials, electronics and energy makes 100% recycling a true challenge. This will demand a development of new materials and technology designed up front with this in mind.

Condition to be met by such materials include increasing the percent of recyclability, minimizing peripheral waste all through the manufacturing processes and to extend lifetimes for end products made with the materials. Such goal can be achieved by using sturdier materials, self-repairing materials, programmable self-destroying and recyclable materials, where all options need to continue to allow for innovation and dynamics in technology development. At the next level, materials combinations must be chosen that minimize unwanted chemical and non-chemical processes. Importantly, materials combinations and devices need to be designed for high yield, minimal environmental impact and end-of-life component & material separation and recycling.

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