EU's end-of-life vehicle regulation will help build new value chain for recycled materials

The minimum recycled-content requirements for plastics in new cars will help build a new, closed-loop value chain for cleanly recycled plastics, but the regulation appears to have zero benefits concerning bio-based components.

Europe grapples with the management of over 6 million end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) annually, resulting in environmental issues and economic losses. The automotive industry's heavy reliance on primary raw materials exacerbates the problem, necessitating a sustainable solution. To combat this, the EU has unveiled its ELV regulation, revising 3R Type-Approval (3RTA) directives on ELVs and reusability, recyclability and recoverability. The primary goal is to promote circularity by reusing and recycling materials, reducing dependency on primary resources, and fostering sustainability in production and end-of-life treatment. By adopting this approach, Europe aims to address its environmental impact, achieve climate objectives, and bolster the economy through responsible and efficient management of ELVs.