Car makers face challenge on recycling electronic equipment

The growing amount of electrical and electronic equipment in the modern automobile could present challenges for manufacturers working towards the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) directive’s 2015 targets. These ELV challenges for car-makers and equipment producers will be explored at EPN’s Plastics in Automotive Electronics and Electrical Systems conference in Stuttgart in May by representatives from three major European OEMs.

Honda Motor Europe manager of ELV treatment policy Julien van Damme and BMW recycling strategy engineer Steffen Aumann will look at how electrical and electronic items fit into the ELV framework and how component design may be able to ease the recycling burden. Volvo manager of mechanical architecture, verification and CAE Erik Sцderbaum will present the results of a study it has performed looking at recylability of cables and cable harnesses. Continuing the environmental theme, Fraunhofer Institute quality manager Dr Thomas Ahrens will look at the impact of the move away from lead on the polymer materials and manufacturing processes in use today.