Recycling of Cabin filters

Purpose and goal

In Sweden, there are approximately 5 million cars on the road, and the cabin filter in each vehicle needs to be replaced every one to two years. Currently, all cabin filters are disposed of as combustible waste. Combi filters are used to filter gas and particles and are fitted in all Volvo Cars current production cars. This project aims to explore the potential for recycling cabin filters, specifically focusing on reusing the activated carbon used for gas filtration.

Expected effects and result

Understand how a collection and distribution change for used cabin filters could look like. Gain knowledge about the recycling process for cabin filters (mechanical and chemical). Understand how much re-used activated carbon could be added without affecting the gas filtration performance. Max 5% reduced performance is acceptable. Understand the environmental impact and potential gains for re-using activated carbon from the field. Understand the cost impact of using recycled activated carbon.

Planned approach and implementation

The project begins with filter sample collection followed by mechanical recycling and carbon reactivation processes and study on optimisation of the recycling process. Followed by workshops on material streams and recycling optimization. Recycling test without reactivation is available. Design for circularity will be looked at, supported by filter testing, life cycle assessment (LCA), and cost analysis. The project concludes with a report.