The concept of a circular economy is influencing more and more materials production and use. While the mining and processing of metals and minerals can be damaging to the environment, their inherent strength, durability, and corrosion properties clearly improve the performance and longevity of products in which they’re used. Metals are infinitely recyclable, with a high value that drives the recovery of such materials at the end of a product life cycle. Many companies are looking to new technologies to help eliminate waste (because any pollution is a product you're not selling!) and increase productivity and efficiency through sustainable processes. From designing products for high performance, durability, and recycling, optimizing the use of raw materials, and capturing and using waste streams, there are many new materials technologies of growing interest. Let's look at both the low-hanging fruit and the long-term research that will move this concept forward.