A Material Flow Analysis (MFA) of cadmium for Europe (EU 27)
is described in this paper. In general the purpose of this MFA is to
provide a reliable set of time series data on the flows and stocks of
cadmium as they pass through the European economy.
For the data on cadmium flows in Europe various sources,
statistics and surveys were taken into account. Data on import
and export statistics, production and consumption of cadmium
use, hidden flows of cadmium, the recovery and recycling of
cadmium, especially batteries, as well as disposal and losses were
considered.
The study includes the whole life cycle of cadmium, starting
from the raw material extraction, which is the basis for the metal
production. Cadmium, as it is produced as a by-product of the
zinc, lead and copper refinery, is further treated throughout
various processes. Within the production and manufacturing,
pre-consumer scrap is returned directly to the main production
process. Afterwards the cadmium is used within various products,
e.g. batteries. After the use phase, having reached the end-of-life
within a specific application field, cadmium is recycled. What is not
collected for recycling or returned to the recycling system, is lost in
the environment. Finally, during the recycling process, cadmium is
returned to the cadmium cycle as post-consumer scrap and what
could not be recycled is disposed.
One important outcome of the MFA of cadmium was the gained
knowledge on available data and data sources within the
cadmium industry. In particular, the inconsistency between the
data sources became obvious. Nevertheless a comprehensive
system was established which summarizes the cadmium flows
in Europe and set up a MFA model as well as the linkages to
available data sources of the cadmium industry. In addition to
the data management system, the data gaps of relevance were
identified to support future activities in this field.