The automotive industry is accelerating its transition to recycled plastics
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by environmental, regulatory, and industrial challenges. From reducing the carbon footprint and the circular economy to material durability, new forms of mobility, and the integration of smart technologies, expectations are changing rapidly and require a rethinking of material choices.
In addition to this development, there is a major new regulatory milestone. The upcoming European regulation on end-of-life vehicles (ELV) stipulates that, starting in 2032, new vehicles must contain at least 15% recycled plastics, a percentage that will increase to 25% as of 2036.
For manufacturers in the plastics industry, it is becoming essential to anticipate these requirements now by selecting high-performance, durable materials that have already been approved by vehicle manufacturers.
Recycled compounds designed to meet automotive requirements
To support this transition, our partner NEXPOINT is developing several lines of compounds that incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, while meeting the automotive industry’s high standards.
Among the solutions presented to major automakers are, in particular:
- XENOY™ (PC/rPET) containing 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET
- CYCOLOY™ (rPC/ABS) containing 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonate
- CYCOLOY™ (PC/rPET/ABS) containing 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET
These compounds, produced through mechanical recycling, make it possible to incorporate a significant proportion of recycled materials while maintaining technical properties suited to the most demanding automotive applications.
Applications for both the interior and exterior of vehicles
The mechanically recycled materials in the XENOY™ and CYCOLOY™ lines offer great versatility and can be used to manufacture a wide range of automotive parts, including:
Outdoor Parts
- Wings
- Radiator Grilles
- Tailgate Trim
- Painted exterior parts
Interior Parts
- Fixed dashboards
- Center Consoles
- Door panels
- Steering Column Covers
- Trim and Finishing Elements
Applications Specific to Heavy-Duty Vehicles
- Aerodynamic side skirts
- Dashboard Mounts
- Air Deflectors
- Front panels
- Bumper
- Fender
These materials meet manufacturers’ requirements for quality, mechanical strength, and durability, while helping to incorporate recycled materials into the vehicles of the future.
Mechanical recycling: a practical solution for a more sustainable plastics industry
Mechanically recycled compounds now offer an effective solution to the industry’s environmental challenges. They are formulated using post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials to provide:
- a process similar to that used for virgin materials,
- technical properties suited to end-use applications,
- a reduction in the use of fossil fuels,
- a contribution to the goals of the circular economy and the reduction of CO₂ emissions
They thus enable manufacturers and equipment suppliers to balance industrial performance, regulatory compliance, and environmental commitment.
Anticipating Tomorrow’s Requirements Today
Given the rapid evolution of European regulations and the growing expectations of automakers, the choice of materials is becoming a key strategic factor.
Thanks to the mechanically recycled solutions offered by NEXPOINT, manufacturers now have access to materials containing up to 30% post-consumer recycled content, while still delivering the performance expected for the most demanding automotive applications.
Anticipating these developments means not only ensuring that future vehicles comply with regulations, but also actively contributing to the transition toward more sustainable mobility.
Leave a Reply