Combine lower level resources to create higher resource...

For example, I now have tons of torn cloth, being able to cash some of that in as a means of getting some extra linen etc. Another example would be metal scraps, perhaps I could combine like 20 of them to get 1 iron ingot, only after I have discovered Iron Ingot making of course.

Alternatively, if you don't like this idea... please add sinks for these materials later in progression to so these resources still have a value. Otherwise they start to just consume a lot of inventory space of storage and in a real survival situation these things would always have value... Some games end up using them to make other items like screws.. .etc. We only use so many nails. In current progression.

Thanks!