Raw Material

A raw material is a basic natural or primary input used to make products, components, or industrial goods. It can come from mining, agriculture, forestry, fishing, or other extraction and harvesting processes. Examples include metals such as lithium, copper, aluminium, cobalt and iron ore, as well as timber, cotton, crude oil, natural rubber and agricultural crops. In sustainability and net zero contexts, raw materials are important because their extraction, processing, transport and use can create significant environmental and social impacts, including emissions, land use change, water consumption, pollution and biodiversity loss. Responsible raw material management focuses on traceability, ethical sourcing, resource efficiency, recycling, substitution and circular economy practices.