Claire Lichawski, an independent consultant in automotive recycling and circular economy, discusses how France’s recycling sector is leading by example, and why the rest of Europe is paying attention.
Europe’s automotive recycling industry is entering a critical phase of transformation, one driven by both regulatory momentum and the growing imperative to integrate circular economy principles across the vehicle lifecycle. At the heart of this shift is the rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, a regulatory framework that not only redefines how end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are managed but also opens up new business models for forward-thinking players across the sector.
France has emerged as an early leader in applying EPR to the automotive domain. Its approach goes beyond basic compliance, using EPR as a catalyst to industrialize the recycling sector, improve the traceability of materials and components, and promote the reuse of high-quality parts. With the European Union now preparing to adopt a comprehensive vehicle lifecycle regulation, one that will extend to categories like motorbikes and heavy-duty vehicles, the French experience offers a compelling roadmap.
In this new regulatory landscape, each stakeholder is now called upon to fully engage in a collective dynamic, with the aim of building a virtuous ecosystem that respects long-standing practices while driving the necessary developments to meet future challenges.
One standout initiative helping to prepare the industry for this next stage is a new certification label for Authorized Treatment Facilities (ATFs), led by SRA (Sécurité et Réparation Automobiles) with strategic consulting support. Launched in November 2024, the project brings together nearly 70 companies from across the sector to co-develop a standard that will recognize excellence in dismantling practices, the production of Parts from the Circular Economy (PCE), and strong environmental performance.
This certification will cover all vehicle types, from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to two- and three-wheelers, as well as heavy-duty fleets, and aims to highlight the value-adding activities taking place within ATFs. In particular, it aims to enhance the visibility and market recognition of reused parts, particularly in B2B contexts where quality assurance and traceability are critical.
The development process is collaborative, drawing on working groups composed of dismantlers, insurers and OEMs. The final specifications for the label are expected by mid-2025, with full launch planned for early 2026. Once operational, this label could become a benchmark across Europe, helping to establish trust, stimulate demand for circular parts, and support regulatory alignment at the EU level.
This initiative reflects a broader truth: automotive recycling must move from the periphery to the core of sustainable mobility strategies. With the right standards, support systems, and partnerships in place, the sector can become a powerhouse of resource efficiency and industrial innovation.
Those who prepare now, by investing in transparency, quality, and circular business models, will be best equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving regulatory and commercial environment across Europe.
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.
