Article by Recycling International

Car recycling milestone: EU approves updated ELV rules

The European Parliament approved the new End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Regulation, a move seen as a ‘tipping point’ for vehicle manufacturers, dismantlers and recyclers across Europe. The legislation replaces the existing ELV Directive and expands its scope to include motorcycles, trucks and other heavy vehicles. Following publication in the EU’s Official Journal, the regulation will apply directly in all Member States.

Industry groups such as Febelauto in Belgium describe the measure as ‘one of the world’s most ambitious’ circular economy laws for the automotive sector. It argues the updated regulation is a ‘tipping point for the entire industry’.

Circularity moves upstream

The new rules shift the focus beyond end-of-life treatment. Instead, vehicles must increasingly be designed for reuse, repair and high-quality recycling from the outset.

‘Vehicle manufacturers will face stronger producer responsibility obligations,’ Febelauto notes. They must provide information to support dismantling, repair and recycling. They will also remain responsible for financing and organising collection and treatment systems.

In addition, the regulation introduces a digital vehicle passport. This will contain information on materials, components and circularity performance throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle.

To get the best results, Febelauto calls for ‘a united front’ and ‘pooled expertise’.

Bigger role for recycled plastics

It says one of the most significant developments concerns recycled content. Under the new framework, carmakers must gradually increase the use of secondary raw materials. In the long term, at least 30% of plastics used in new vehicles must come from recycled sources.

The measure aims to stimulate demand for recycled plastics while reducing reliance on virgin fossil-based materials.

Meanwhile, additional dismantling requirements will help recover valuable materials and components before shredding. Certified reusable parts will no longer automatically be classified as waste, making it easier to return them to the market.

‘The clear limitation to post-consumer plastic waste is essential,’ says Paolo Campanella, secretary general of the European Waste Management Association (FEAD). ‘It ensures that recycled content targets support real collection, sorting and recycling of plastic waste, while giving operators the long-term certainty they need to invest and scale up capacity to integrate recyclates across Europe.

‘With the recycled content target entering into force in six years, the sector has a realistic timeframe to prepare. However, achieving the Regulation’s circularity objectives will require commitment across the entire automotive value chain, from producers to waste management and recycling operators, and we are ready to do our part.’

Crackdown on illegal exports

The regulation also tightens controls on vehicle exports. Exporters must prove that vehicles shipped outside the EU are roadworthy and not ELVs. New documentation and inspection requirements aim to curb illegal exports and improve traceability.

Currently, an estimated 3.5 million of the EU’s ELVs ‘go missing’ every year, Febelauto’s managing director Catherine Laenarts asserts. This is around a third of the entire fleet eligible for recycling.

Furthermore, stricter record-keeping rules will improve tracking of vehicles, parts and materials throughout the recycling chain.

The regulation’s practical implementation will now move to the next stage. The newly established ELV Forum, which was co-founded by Febelauto, will help develop technical guidance and support harmonised implementation across Europe.