Green parts are emerging as a vital solution for sustainable and cost-efficient auto repair. To scale their use, a full-chain, collaborative approach is essential. Claire Lichawski, an independent consultant in automotive recycling and circular economy, leads efforts in France to connect insurers, dismantlers, and repairers through certified protocols. Her work demonstrates how structured cooperation can overcome barriers and build the trust needed to advance circularity across Europe’s automotive sector.
Stakeholders in the automotive sector are already mobilized to support the development of green parts. Concrete initiatives are emerging, and momentum is gradually building across the field. However, to take the next step and establish reuse as a true lever for both economic and environmental performance, efforts must be sustained and synergies reinforced, especially between recyclers, insurers and repair professionals.
In France, an initiative led by SRA (Sécurité et Réparation Automobiles) illustrates the potential of a well-structured collaborative approach. By bringing together insurers, federations, certified vehicle dismantlers, engineers, and automotive experts, SRA is working on a protocol to ensure the quality, traceability, and reliability of green parts. The goal is clear: to enable these parts to be confidently integrated into insurance-covered B2B repairs.
This joint effort is gradually overcoming long-standing technical, logistical, and legal barriers to reuse. Insurance companies play a pivotal role here. As the first to take charge of damaged vehicles, particularly in total loss cases, they are in a position to steer these vehicles toward authorized treatment facilities and support the reintegration of verified parts into the repair market. Their involvement is crucial to structuring a reliable and secure green parts market.
Another key player: repair shops. As the end-users of green parts, they directly influence the adoption of circular solutions. Trust in the quality of the products, transparency around guarantees, traceability, and consistent availability all play a role in encouraging their engagement. Without their full participation, the reuse ecosystem cannot reach its full potential.
The successful development of green automotive parts depends on a collective, methodical approach, one built on trust between stakeholders. Insurers, dismantlers, and repairers must work together over the long term to deliver a credible, competitive, and scalable circular offering for the industry.
About Claire Lichawski
Claire Lichawski is an independent consultant specializing in automotive recycling and circular economy strategies. With over six years of experience in the French vehicle dismantling sector, including a role within a national federation, she now supports industry stakeholders in navigating regulatory developments, designing compliance strategies, and leading collaborative innovation projects. In the SRA-led certification initiative for Authorized Treatment Facilities, Claire serves as project lead, facilitating cross-sector dialogue and coordinating the development of certification standards to advance the circular economy in the automotive industry.
