In 2023, the direct material inputs for non-ferrous metals in the UK stood at a level slightly below the forecasted figures for subsequent years. From 2024 to 2026, the forecast predicts a steady input volume of 2.61 million metric tons. This is followed by a slight decline to 2.6 million metric tons in 2027 and 2028. The forecast suggests negligible year-on-year variations, highlighting a period of stability with a virtually flat growth trend over these five years. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over this period is projected to remain close to zero.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential impacts of global economic fluctuations that could alter demand for non-ferrous metals.
Technological advancements in recycling which might affect the volume of new inputs required.
Policy changes concerning environmental sustainability and their influence on material sourcing.