From Waste to Value: A Data‐Driven Framework for Sustainable Raw Materials Substitution in the Ceramic Industry

With increasing geopolitical risks, environmental pressures, and regulatory demands, the sustainable sourcing of raw materials has become a global priority for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This study presents a data-driven framework for assessing the substitution of imported primary raw materials with secondary resources derived from mining waste, using the Italian ceramic industry as a testbed. Through a combined approach integrating material characterization, life cycle assessment, and supply chain analytics, we evaluate the technical, environmental, and resilience performance of substituting Turkish albite with feldspathic waste from Calabrian quarries. Results show that hybrid logistics configurations (truck and ship) for domestic by-products can outperform imported materials in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, supply chain resilience, and strategic autonomy while supporting circular economy principles. The framework provides replicable analytical tools to support evidence-based sourcing decisions in resource-intensive sectors, helping companies and policymakers align operational practices with sustainability goals. Implications for circular value creation, climate mitigation, and industrial policy are discussed.