Nuanced strategies for material efficiency: Addressing developmental heterogeneities and socio-economic shifts

This study examines the socio-economic factors influencing material efficiency in over 100 countries from 1970 to 2016, amidst growing material consumption and environmental concerns. It assesses material efficiency using production and consumption metrics, revealing four distinct trajectories reflecting diverse economic and demographic contexts. The research shows that globally, economic growth and technological advancement significantly enhance material efficiency. However, the effects of such factors vary greatly by income, human development level, and aging demographics. As countries advance in income and human development, and as their populations age, the beneficial effect of economic growth on material efficiency diminishes. Conversely, the positive impact of technological progress intensifies with higher levels of human development. Moreover, as societies age, population growth shifts from hindering to promoting material efficiency, especially in "super-aged" societies. The findings highlight the need for context-specific strategies for material efficiency, acknowledging the unique stages of development and demographics of each country.