Material flow

Kathrin Greiff, Berfin Bayram and Wiebke Hagedorn

Chapter 109 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 405-406 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Material flow, as a concept, encompasses the movement of resources, substances, or materials within and between various systems, including ecosystems, industrial processes, and economies. Understanding material flows is crucial for evaluating resource utilization, waste generation, and environmental impacts, and for devising strategies to enhance sustainability and resource efficiency. In the context of material flow analysis, key terms are defined to facilitate a comprehensive understanding. Materials, defined as substances entering and/or leaving a process, are categorized into those intended for product inclusion and operating materials. Flows represent the movement of materials between processes, with inputs and outputs delineating flows within system boundaries. By elucidating the dynamics of material movement within systems, material flow analysis serves as a foundational tool for addressing contemporary environmental and resource management challenges and advancing towards a more sustainable future.

Keywords: Material; Flow; Stock; Systems; Process; Transfer coefficient (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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