A resilient, circular and independent tungsten supply chain
Uninterrupted production for the manufacturing industry

Why Supply Chain Security Matters

Tungsten is critical for high-performance tooling and around 80% of the global supply comes from China. That concentration exposes manufacturers to volatility, uncertainty, and long-term risk. Our approach combines a diversified and circular sourcing model, with tungsten recycling rates of 91% at CERATIZIT and 88% across the Plansee Group, to ensure a reliable, high-purity material flow independent from China.
Combined with a comprehensive CO₂ reduction roadmap aligned with SBTi and a fully integrated value chain that minimizes reliance on primary raw materials, our strategy delivers stable, predictable access to tungsten, today and in the future.

“Transparency and responsible sourcing are non-negotiable. Through internationally recognized standards, validated climate targets, and rigorous due diligence processes, we deliver a supply chain that is robust, ethical, and ready for the future.”  – Philippe Strebler, Head of Sustainability 

Our Three Strategic Pillars

  • Recycling Leadership: We keep tungsten in the loop via buyback, advanced sorting and Groupwide recycling at Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP).

  • Strategic Partnerships: Long-term contracts and mining investments (e.g., Sangdong via the Plansee Group’s majority stake in Almonty Industries) secure stable access outside China.

  • Robust Infrastructure: A fully integrated value chain, from powder to finished tools, ensures quality and availability.

What This Means for Customers

“By integrating every stage of the tungsten value chain — from powder production to advanced recycling — we ensure long‑term stability, independence, and confidence for our customers worldwide.”

A secure and circular tungsten supply gives:
 

  • Independence from short‑term market shocks
  • Planning security and reliable lead times
  • Consistent quality & availability across geographies

How Our Recycling Loop Works

Circularity in motion — from scrap collection & buyback (including Stadler Raw Materials), through sorting and pre‑processing, to mechanical, thermal or chemical recycling at GTP. These technologies transform waste into high-purity powders for new tools, maintaining premium quality while drastically reducing reliance on mined material.

Long‑Term Security Through Global Partnerships

  • Sangdong (South Korea): via the Plansee Group’s majority stake in Almonty Industries, securing access to one of the largest non‑China tungsten resources; project expected to supply up to ~15–20% of global ore outside China once fully operational. 
  • Diversified sourcing: long‑term agreements across across  South America, Spain, Africa and Australia mitigate regional risk.

Responsible & Transparent Sourcing

All raw materials are routed through RMI‑conformant smelters (Responsible Minerals Initiative) to ensure ethical, traceable supply chains.

Your Production Depends on Stability — Our Supply Chain Delivers It.

Download our presentation on supply chain security:

FAQs: 

1. Why is supply chain security so important today?

Global supply chains are increasingly affected by geopolitical risks, resource nationalism, and shifting trade dynamics — all of which can jeopardize access to critical raw materials like tungsten.
 

2. How does CERATIZIT ensure a stable tungsten supply?

As part of the Plansee Group, CERATIZIT manages a fully integrated value chain from powder to finished tools. This end‑to‑end control minimizes exposure to market volatility and supports predictable supply.
 

3. Is CERATIZIT independent from China for raw material sourcing?

Yes — for the Western world, CERATIZIT’s sourcing is independent of China, backed by long‑term offtake agreements and strategic investments in diversified supply routes.
 

4. Which industries rely on tungsten and molybdenum?

High‑performance sectors such as aerospace, electronics, medical technology, and energy depend on these critical metals due to their unique material properties.
 

5. How does recycling contribute to supply security?

With 91% tungsten recycling rate, CERATIZIT significantly reduces dependency on primary raw materials while lowering environmental impact. Scrap is collected globally and processed through advanced recycling technologies within the Group.
 

6. How do you ensure responsible and conflict‑free sourcing?

CERATIZIT uses RMI‑conformant smelters and adheres to a strict Supplier Code of Conduct as well as comprehensive supplier management to guarantee responsible material sourcing.
 

7. What does it mean to have a fully integrated value chain?

It means that all key steps — from raw material processing to finished tools — are handled internally within the Plansee Group. This increases transparency, quality control, and resilience in the supply chain.
 

8. How does CERATIZIT ensure flexibility and reliability across global markets?

CERATIZIT leverages the Plansee Group’s robust, globally connected sourcing and production network, ensuring high delivery reliability, adaptability to market shifts, and consistent compliance with responsible sourcing standards.
 

9. How does CERATIZIT support customers during global uncertainty?

By providing stable access to tungsten and molybdenum, maintaining transparent sourcing practices, and investing in a resilient supply architecture designed to withstand geopolitical and market disruptions.
 

10. Which customers benefit most from your secure supply chain?

Customers in electronics, aerospace, medical technology, and energy benefit especially from CERATIZIT’s reliable supply, high recycling rate, and responsible sourcing practices.