We live in a material world; one with a rising population dependent upon a base of natural resources that is already seriously depleted and declining rapidly. This book considers the societal use of materials, historically, in the less-than-optimal present and aspirationally as a central thread in addressing wider sustainable development challenges. It accounts for linked chemical, physical and socio-economic consequences right through value chains, from raw material extraction through manufacture and use and onwards to post-use.

Author Mark Everard proposes that the four principal societal sectors – business, government, civil society organisations and knowledge-providers – though often currently often dissipating effort by working antagonistically, can optimally work symbiotically around co-created and consensual long-term sustainability goals to accelerate necessary progress. Practical examples of ‘baby steps’ towards constructive collaboration within and between societal sectors are recognised, and lessons are drawn for how they can shape more committed and intentional collaboration for sustainable development.

Seeking Societal Symbiosis touches upon many aspects of science from chemistry, chemical engineering and material science, through to construction/built environment, sustainability, regulatory science, resources economics and social science. It will be valuable reading for industry managers and executives, the European Commission and MEPs, national regulators and legislators, university students and lecturers, and NGOs.