The European Union is set to get its first-ever mandatory targets for recycled plastic content in vehicles, following a provisional agreement between the European Parliament and the European Council on new rules to support recycling of end-of-life-vehicles (ELVs).
The automotive sector is one of the largest users of raw materials, such as plastics, copper, steel and aluminium. The European Commission has proposed that better collection, dismantling and treatment of vehicles will ensure the recovery and reuse of these materials, while improving the European Union’s resilience and supporting supply chains - and reducing dependence on imports. Every year, over six million vehicles in Europe reach the end of their life and are treated as waste.
The mandatory targets for recycled content in vehicles include a provision that each new vehicle type should contain a minimum of 15% recycled plastic within six years of the rules coming into force, and 25% within 10 years. There is also a provision that these two targets are to be met by including 20% of the plastic coming from end-of-life vehicles, or from parts and components removed from vehicles during their use phase.
The Commission says this this move will “boost recycling and guarantee a level playing field, as rules on recycled content will also apply to both vehicles in the EU and those imported from outside the EU.”
There is also agreement to introduce targets for recycled steel and aluminium. This would enter into force some two years after the new circularity rules, following the completion of feasibility studies.
Other provisions include improved treatment standards for end-of-life vehicles to allow the recovery of “more and higher-quality materials,” as well as vehicles having to be designed to allow for easier dismantling, with manufacturers providing “clear and detailed instructions for removing and replacing parts both during use and at end-of-life.”
Manufacturers will also have extended producer responsibility, having to cover the cost of the collection and treatment of vehicles that have reached their end-of-life. The Commission said: “Specific requirements would apply to the mandatory removal of certain parts and components, as well as liquids and hazardous substances, before shredding or compacting.”
The automotive industry is Europe's top consumer of aluminium (42%) magnesium (44%), platinum group metals (63%), and natural rubber, (67%). The use of rare earth elements by the EU’s car sector, which stands at 30% this year, is growing fast. The Commission says that the new rules would see 350 tons of rare earth materials collected for reuse and recycling, significantly contributing to the EU’s strategic autonomy. The new provisions would also contribute to environmental and climate objectives, as well as strengthening resilience to supply chain disruptions and reducing dependence on imports.
The Commission adds that these provisions for ELVs are closely linked to, and support, the implementation of several initiatives including the Critical Raw Materials Act, and the Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector.
Jessika Rowsell, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy said: “In a time when access to raw materials is under increasing global strain, making better use of valuable resources embedded in our old cars is good for our environment, competitiveness and resilience. This regulation is the right instrument to deliver on our circular economy ambitions, ensuring that the precious materials inside every vehicle are recovered at the end of their life and kept within our economy.”
The provisional agreement now needs to be approved by both the European Parliament and the European Council before the rules can enter into force.
Further reading:
- Chemical recycling: BASF turns plastic waste and biomass into feedstock
- Critical minerals: UK unveils plan to boost production
- Critical raw materials academy aims to train 100,000 people
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