The Future of Materials Systems 2026

Images: Adobe Stock, Getty Images Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2026 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Contents Foreword Executive summary 1 Rising pressures on global materials systems 1.1 Materials systems are under strain 1.2 Cooperation on materials rises to top of business agendas 2 Adapting cooperation approaches to a multipolar world 3 Circular economy as a systemic approach 4 Priority areas for international cooperation 4.1 Data transparency and traceability 4.2 International standards 4.3 Trade and market cooperation Conclusion Appendix: Methodology Contributors Acknowledgements Endnotes3 4 6 6 8 12 15 17 19 22 25 29 30 31 31 33 The Future of Materials Systems: Cooperation Opportunities in a Multipolar World 2