Increasing plastic circularity in the automotive sector
Supply chain analysis and policy options from the European Union (EU)
Brian Baldassarre (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Maastricht University)
Thibaut Maury (Joint Research Centre of the European Commission)
Nacef Tazi (Joint Research Centre of the European Commission)
Fabrice Mathieux (Joint Research Centre of the European Commission)
Serenella Sala (Joint Research Centre of the European Commission)
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Abstract
This study investigates plastic circularity in the EU automotive sector. It focuses on the drivers and barriers to recycling, informing the definition of policy options underlying the new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation proposed by the European Commission in 2023. The analysis combines secondary data from scientific and grey literature, with primary data from industry stakeholders. Results include a supply chain map outlining stakeholders, industrial processes, and material flows, complemented by a list of 15 barriers and 8 drivers for increasing recycled plastic content in new vehicles. This study demonstrates how a supply chain perspective can effectively provide both systemic and granular insight about circular economy dynamics (i.e., big picture, high detail). Integrating these two levels of insight is crucial for advancing circular economy research and enhancing its ability to inform evidence-based policies for the sustainability transition.
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