ROCKWOOL's value chain can become fully circular. Even though, only a small share of the materials used in ROCKWOOL's value chain can currently be considered 'circular materials' based on the circularity analysis by Circle Economy, there is tremendous potential to improve on this due to the inherent recyclability of stone wool products. To bridge this circularity gap, a number of levers that can improve the circularity of the value chain significantly were identified and analysed.

ROCKWOOL is already on a pathway towards circularity. In the upcoming years, ROCKWOOL's existing goals will strengthen the circularity of ROCKWOOL's value chain. Simultaneously, substantial improvements can still be attained within ROCKWOOL's own operations, by increasing ambitions on the existing goals and following some of the outlined recommendations. In particular, we assessed that further reach and higher efficiency in recycling services, increased sourcing of non-virgin materials from secondary material suppliers and shifting towards renewable energy sources used in production processes would significantly enhance circularity throughout ROCKWOOL's operations.

ROCKWOOL cannot reach full circularity on its own. Beside its potential to improve its own operations, our assessment showed that the biggest steps towards circularity can only be taken with the support of and collaboration with value chain partners, legislators and customers. For example, transforming the existing recycling infrastructure for construction and demolition waste requires industry participation in the design of demolition processes, the development of new technologies for material sorting and comprehensive information modelling to produce the necessary information on material quantity and quality. At the same time, a strong legislative framework is required to prevent landfilling of recyclable wastes and incentivize high quality recycling of materials.

ROCKWOOL can leverage its existing efforts and visibility by developing a clear action plan towards a circular future. This will allow to capture the potential of the outlined levers, accelerate progress towards the end goal, and most importantly engage industry partners and external stakeholders to join the transition.

ROCKWOOL has already shown its commitment to becoming a profitable business with sustainability at its core. This report showcased how moving towards a more circular future could enable ROCKWOOL to strengthen and expand on its current ambitions while capturing the opportunities associated with a circular economy for the decades to come.