Europe wants more valuable raw materials from car wrecks kept in the EU with new law

A new law poised for approval in the European Parliament aims to significantly boost vehicle recycling and the use of recovered materials within the automotive industry. The legislation targets the estimated 3.5 million end-of-life vehicles that disappear from the EU annually, many of which are exported, often to Africa, despite existing export bans.

The core of the new law requires European car manufacturers to incorporate a mandatory amount of recycled plastics into their vehicles. By 2032, 15 percent of plastics used must be recycled, increasing to a quarter by 2036. Crucially, at least 20 percent of these recycled plastics must originate from vehicle wrecks. Manufacturers will also need to develop recycling strategies and provide clear instructions for safe dismantling and parts replacement.

This initiative seeks to keep valuable resources within the EU, transforming car wrecks into a source of "urban mining." Companies like Galloo in Menen are already demonstrating the potential, processing up to 95 percent of a vehicle's components into new raw materials such as steel and copper granulate, or alternative fuels. This process not only recovers materials but also reduces the environmental impact associated with waste.

Beyond material recovery, the European Commission estimates the new law will yield 5.4 million tons of recycled material annually, including 350 tons of rare raw materials. It is also projected to save 12.8 million tons of CO2 emissions and create approximately 22,000 European jobs. The Commission anticipates that the cost increase for consumers will be minimal, with vehicles becoming at most 70 euros more expensive.

Member states will be obligated to actively detect and prevent illegal exports of vehicle wrecks. The current system, where many European cars are shipped to destinations like West Africa, often results in vehicles being superficially repaired and returned to the road, posing environmental and safety risks. This new legislation represents a concerted effort to establish a more circular economy for the automotive sector within Europe.