Titanium metal

What it is

Titanium metal (sponge) is the basis of high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloys for aerospace, medical implants, and chemical equipment.

Why it matters

China and Japan dominate sponge production. Russia's VSMPO-AVISMA was historically the largest aerospace supplier.

Circular challenges

Whether titanium metal re-enters the economy at end-of-life is mostly settled at the design stage. These are the recurring blockers.

• Aerospace alloys are long-lived

  Airframes fly for 30+ years; scrap arrives slowly and is highly alloyed, complicating reuse.

• Powder-bed printing waste

  Additive-manufactured titanium parts generate fine powder waste that needs careful collection to recycle safely.

• Implants are permanent

  Medical implants generally do not return to the supply chain.