As per the World Economic Forum, for the world to experience less than 1.5°C of global warming, the automotive industry needs to target around a 50% reduction in absolute carbon emissions by 2030.With the impact of climate change becoming more visible each year and global demand from environment action groups for industries to take environmental action seriously, the automotive industry has been bringing in changes, riding on the circular economy road. Here’s a look at some of the notable green choices the industry is making to lower the carbon footprint. Use of recycled material is gaining traction Automotive recycling is now emerging as an important component of the industry’s future, driven by innovations, environmental regulations and consumer demand for greener products. The use of recycled materials in new car production is also gaining traction as manufacturers seek to reduce their environmental footprint. Ford, for example, uses recycled plastics in the production of certain car parts, such as underbody shields and wheel liners, while BMW has developed a concept car made almost entirely from recycled and recyclable materials.
In the Car2Car research project under the leadership of the BMW Group, new technologies are developed for the optimised recycling of end-of-life vehicles. BMW has set itself a target to increase the share of secondary materials in vehicle production to 50%, making increased use of post-consumer materials. Aluminum rolling and recycling brand Novelis is supplying BMW with aluminium sheets containing between 65%-75% recycled content, and the aim is to have outer skin panel from 100% recycled aluminium within this project.
To meet its Ambition 2039, Mercedes-Benz is researching newer alternative materials and significantly increasing the proportion of recycled materials in its vehicles. The auto giant’s goal is to have a fully networked and net carbon-neutral fleet of new vehicles in 2039. The company also opened their battery recycling plant last year in southern Germany. Through a specialised process, valuable and scarce raw materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt can be recovered and will be suitable for use in new batteries for future all-electric Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Giving a new life to discarded materials is another avenue for businesses with green goals. Spanish company Ecopiel has developed a process to upcycle automotive leather waste into new leather products, while Recycle Rebuild transforms seat belts and airbags into stylish bags and accessories. ‘Auto industry needs to target 50% reduction in carbon emission by 2030’ As per the World Economic Forum, for the world to experience less than 1.5°C of global warming, the automotive industry needs to target around a 50% reduction in absolute carbon emissions by 2030. In the same period, mobility demand in expected to increase by 70% globally. Circularity and electrification will be the core strategies that enable the industry to decarbonize and prepare for this increased mobility demand. Ramping up electric mobility and expanding renewable energies is the way to go.
Natural, sustainable material Recycling not only reduces the demand for virgin materials but also support the circular economy by keeping materials in use for longer periods. From recycling household waste and PET bottles to fishing nets, Mercedes-Benz is turning waste into high-quality fabrics for interiors. This also includes switching to sustainably processed leather made from cacti
Lexus (Toyota) developed the auto industry’s first bamboo-charcoal speakers and luggage compartment trim is made from recycled plastics. From castor seeds to biodegradable sugarcane, the company is pushing the envelope of sustainable material design. Volkswagen, in collaboration with German start-up Revoltech GmbH, is developing a new material to replace imitation leather. This all-natural, 100% biodegradable surface material, named LOVR (leather-free, oil-free, vegan, residue-based), is made from industrial hemp used in the food industry. The material is created by combining hemp fibres with a bio-based adhesive using specialised technology.
Beyond expanding their EV range, Kia is focusing on sustainable production, implementing a 3-step action plan for the colour, material and finish of their new vehicles using eco-friendly materials. The company repurposes recycled materials to create items such as floor mats and seat coverings. In the EV6, these recycled materials include the equivalent of 107 500ml PET bottles. Additionally, all new vehicles incorporate materials like Bio Plastic, PCM1 plastic, Bio PU, Bio PU Foam, Bio paint, BTX free paint, Recycled PET fabric, fishing net carpet, yarns and felt.
Green programs by automakers The Nissan Green Program 2030 addresses climate change, resource dependency, and air quality, and its sustainability targets include reducing per-vehicle lifecycle CO2 emissions by 30%, reducing per-vehicle manufacturing CO2 emissions by 52%, reducing per-vehicle driving CO2 emissions for new models by 50% in major markets, and increasing the sustainable material ratio to 40%.
The Volkswagen Group is aiming to reduce the average CO2 emissions per vehicle (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) over the entire life cycle by 30% by 2030 compared with 2018.
