Circular use of plastics in the automotive industry

Purpose and goal

The purpose is that plastic components from damaged cars and ELVs should be reusable and recyclable. The aim is to design the components and component systems so that disassembly is technically and economically feasible for both female and male performers. And that the components/systems are designed for reuse and material recycling. The aim is also to propose an economic model for recycling of plastics from cars. Furthermore, the automotive industry in Sweden should comply with the proposed ELV legislation and still remain competitive.

Expected effects and result

The project´s results will show challenges and opportunities with dismantling plastic components from cars for reuse and material recycling. The results will lead to better methods of disassembly and that the components begin to be designed to be disassembled and recycled. Material properties are mapped. The value of the plastic is maintained when different components are dismantled separately and part of the plastic will then be able to be recycled in a closed loop. Guidelines will likely be drawn up to implement dismantling and recycling systems for plastics.

Planned approach and implementation

- Map the handling of plastics from valuable cars and ELVs and make an outlook in Europe. - Calculate what the ELV legislation would mean for the Swedish car industry. - Select plastic components for the disassembly trials. - Disassembly trials are performed. - Redesign proposals are developed based on experience from the disassembly attempts. - Disassembled components and materials are characterized in terms of properties. - The economic possibilities of circular reuse and mechanical recycling are assessed and a business model proposed.