The Future of Materials Systems 2026

The inputs and components of global materials systems FIGURE 2 Note: Fossil fuels and biomass extracted for direct energy use were not considered in scope for this report. For more detail on what constitutes non-energy fossil feedstock and non-energy biomass, see endnote.1Inter national norms, rules, standar ds and r egulations Frameworks gover ning r esponsible production, inter operability , sustainability and market access1 Trade and economic cooperation agreements Legal frameworks structuring cr oss- border materials trade, market access and cooperation2 Technology , innovation and knowledge Resear ch, innovation and skills enabling productivity , circularity and system transformation3 Shar ed infrastructur e Foundational digital and physical assets enabling material flows, transpar ency and coor dination4 Gover nance and institutional architectur e Public and private institutions shaping oversight, coor dination, accountability and collective action5 Trade and logistics networks Physical and operational systems moving materials acr oss bor ders and value chains6Materials inputs System components UseNon-energy fossil feedstock End-of-life managementMetals Non-metallic mineralsNon-energy Biomass Process, refine Reuse, repair, remanufacture, refurbishRecycle, revalorize Manufactur eRaw materials extraction Materials lifecycle The reliability and stability of these materials systems are increasingly under strain, as expectations of efficient, globally integrated markets give way to a more active role for the state as governments prioritize national security and industry in times of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.2 In 2025 alone, a record 226 import and export restrictions on critical minerals were enacted globally, up from 82 in 2024.3 Waste and scrap materials remain the most frequently restricted category, often due to environmental concerns and increasing interest in circular supply chains.4At the same time, demand for certain materials, driven in part by rapid technological change, is beginning to outpace planned supply. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that copper supply could fall short of projected demand by around 30% by 2035 without significant new investment.5 The impacts of disruptions or delays in the supply of key materials such as copper, gallium or rare earth elements can cascade through sectors, slowing and making more costly the deployment of strategic technologies and infrastructure, with direct implications for competitiveness and security.6In 2025 alone, a record 226 import and export restrictions on critical minerals were enacted globally, up from 82 in 2024. The Future of Materials Systems: Cooperation Opportunities in a Multipolar World 7