-
Binding targets for the use of recycled materials in new vehicles
-
Enhanced responsibility of manufacturers in the collection and treatment of end-of-life vehicles
-
Of the 285.6 million cars on EU roads, 6.5 million reach the end of their useful life each year.
Earlier this month, the plenary approved its position on the EU’s new circularity rules, covering everything from vehicle design to end-of-life treatment.
The legislative project, supported by 431 MEPs, with 145 against and 76 abstentions, aims to boost the automotive sector’s transition to a circular economy by reducing the environmental impact associated with vehicle production and end-of-life treatment and strengthening the sustainability of the European automotive recycling industry. The rules will apply to all vehicles, with the exception of special-purpose vehicles, vehicles designed and manufactured for use by the armed forces, civil defense, fire and emergency medical services, and vehicles of special historical and cultural interest.
Improving the design and use of recycled materials
New vehicles must be designed so that authorized treatment facilities can easily remove as many parts and components as possible, with a view to their replacement, reuse, recycling, remanufacturing, or refurbishment, where technically feasible.
MEPs want the plastic used in every new type of vehicle to contain a minimum of 20% recycled plastic within six years of the rules coming into force. They also want manufacturers to meet a target of at least 25% within 10 years of the rules coming into force, if sufficient recycled plastic is available at affordable prices. They also want the Commission to introduce targets for recycled steel, aluminum, and their alloys, following a feasibility study.
Stricter end-of-life and export regulations for used vehicles
Three years after the new rules come into force, manufacturers would have to cover the cost of collecting and treating vehicles that have reached their end-of-life (extended liability). MEPs want a better distinction between used and end-of-life vehicles, with an export ban for end-of-life vehicles.
Speakers’ Statement
Co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, Germany) from the Environment Committee and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, Lithuania) from the Internal Market Committee said: “Parliament supports the circular economy in the automotive sector. We are making progress on resource security, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainability. To avoid overburdening the industry, we are opting for realistic targets, while also ensuring less red tape and fair competition.”
Next steps
Since the Council adopted its position earlier this summer, interinstitutional negotiations are expected to begin without delay.
Background
On 13 July 2023, the Commission proposed a new Regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and improved end-of-life management, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
In 2023, 14.8 million motor vehicles were manufactured in the EU, and 12.4 million were registered. There are 285.6 million cars on the EU’s roads, and around 6.5 million reach the end of their useful life each year.
Source www.europarl.europa.eu
