In a move towards sustainable automotive manufacturing, LyondellBasell (LYB) has teamed up with Romanian carmaker Dacia to incorporate recycled plastics into the design of the latest Dacia Duster model, Sustainable Plastics reported. The vehicle’s bumpers, trims, and body side mouldings are now crafted from Starkle, a robust material derived from LYB’s CirculenRecover polypropylene (PP).
This compound features 20% mechanically recycled PP sourced from post-industrial waste that would otherwise come from manufacturing processes like flexible packaging. CirculenRecover not only meets the performance standards for automotive exteriors but also offers a mould-in-colour effect, which visually highlights the recycled content. This innovative single-material solution simplifies the production process and enhances recyclability, improving design efficiency.
“The development of CirculenRecover polymers exemplifies our unwavering commitment to creating solutions for everyday sustainable living,” said Alexandre Martin, LYB business development manager of transportation. “This innovative material not only elevates the aesthetics of vehicles but also aligns with our customers’ sustainability goals.”
This collaboration comes on the heels of LYB’s recent investment in a closed-loop recycling centre in Lich, Germany, aimed at processing waste from durable goods like car and appliance parts. The facility will mechanically recycle these components and reintroduce them into their original industries, promoting a circular approach to materials. End products containing recycled materials will include structural elements, interior components, and visible parts.
As of July 2023, the European Commission’s updated directive on end-of-life vehicles mandates that 25% of plastic in new vehicles must be recycled. This regulation has pushed automotive manufacturers and plastic industry stakeholders to advance their circular economy efforts. Several industry players, including Dow, Borealis, Covestro, and Aimplas, have launched projects to increase recycled content in automotive manufacturing, while Audi has begun mass production of car grilles using recycled plastics.
LAB will present its CirculenRecover portfolio at Fakuma on October 15-19 at booth B1-1112.