Complex value arises from the assessment of resource flows across multiple dimensions of value such a economic, environmental and social. It may be positive (profit, benefit) or negative (cost, impact).

Adopting complex value demonstrates that “resource recovery” is not optimised simply by matching waste outputs with resource inputs to a system. Designing systems – from extraction, through manufacturing, use and beyond end-of-life – so that complex value is optimised not only facilitates the recovery of resources but also ensures that impacts on society and the environment are fully considered.