A study reveals that small parts are best recycled using non-mechanical means

A study reveals that small parts are best recycled using non-mechanical means
By Lou Reade

The majority of plastic car components are most effectively recycled using feedstock recycling or energy recovery, rather than mechanical recycling.

According to a report commissioned by the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME), only large, mono-material parts – such as bumpers – are best recycled using mechanical means. Smaller plastics parts, such as mirror housings and headlamp lenses, are more effectively recycled using other methods.

The study, by the Цko-Institut in Darmstadt, Germany, analyses and compares the six plastics waste management options and focuses on seven vehicle components. APME says the report provides the first quantitative data for the comparison of recycling and energy recovery options for plastics parts in end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).

Axel Kistenmacher, head of the automotive sector of APME’s Technical and Environmental Centre, said: “By 2015 we expected that about 1.3 million tonnes of plastics waste will come from 12 million ELVs. This study will help to facilitate the development of technologies that support the reuse, recycling and energy recovery of these car parts.”