Germany's Covestro launches PCR plastics from old car headlamps
Materials manufacturer Covestro has introduced a new line of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates made from end-of-life automotive headlamps, marking another milestone in closing the loop for automotive materials. Developed through a joint program initiated by the German federal enterprise GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), with Volkswagen and NIO as key partners, these TÜV Rheinland-certified grades contain 50 percent recycled content and are now commercially available for new automotive applications. Volkswagen and NIO are already validating the material for potential use in future vehicle designs.
"This new line of polycarbonate represents a significant step in supporting the automotive industry's transformation towards a circular future," said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at Covestro . "By offering high-quality PCR materials derived from end-of-life headlamps, we're enabling our customers to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements while contributing to closed-loop recycling of automotive plastics."
Covestro has launched new PCR polycarbonates made from end-of-life automotive headlamps, featuring 50 per cent recycled content. Developed with GIZ, Volkswagen, and NIO, the TíœV-certified grades meet strict automotive standards. This initiative supports circular economy goals and helps automakers comply with rising global sustainability regulations.
Under this initiative, Covestro has been collaborating with partners, including Chinese recycler Ausell and leading automakers, to establish closed-loop pathways for high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). This program focuses on strengthening recycling processes and establishing reliable supply chains for high-quality recycled materials from automotive waste streams. Through this partnership, Covestro and its value chain allies have developed practical solutions for collecting and mechanically processing end-of-life headlamps into high-quality PCR grades suitable for a range of automotive applications.
"This partnership underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving the circular economy forward," said Martin Hansen, Regional Director of GIZ in East Asia. "By bringing together key industry players, we are not only creating viable solutions for recycling high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles but also fostering innovation that supports a sustainable, closed-loop material flow in the automotive industry."
The introduction of these new PCR grades comes at a critical time as the automotive industry, one of the most resource-intensive sectors, faces increasing environmental challenges and regulatory pressures. The EU's End-of-Life Vehicle Directive, which sets recycling targets, along with China's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program and growing sustainability requirements in key global markets, are pushing automotive manufacturers worldwide to seek innovative and sustainable material solutions that comply with evolving regulations.
Covestro's new PCR grades meet the high-performance standards required for demanding automotive applications, offering excellent surface quality for superior aesthetics and adhering to strict Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) requirements. This combination of sustainable content and premium performance empowers automotive manufacturers to meet both regulatory demands and environmental goals without compromising on product quality.
As part of its broader commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, Covestro continues to expand its portfolio of recycled-content materials. In recent years, the company has introduced PCR polycarbonates with up to 90 percent recycled content, and opened its first dedicated mechanical recycling compounding line for polycarbonates in Shanghai. Last year, it introduced a new range of polycarbonates based on chemically recycled, attributed material from post-consumer waste via mass balance for the first time. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bricks, bytes & bamboo: How green buildings are quietly rerouting India's skyline
India is making strides towards net-zero goals. Green buildings are becoming more common. Sustainable construction is growing nationwide. India ranks third globally in LEED-certified spaces. This contributes significantly to global green building efforts. Eco-friendly real estate is changing construction. Housing, offices, schools, airports, IT parks, and hospitals are all impacted. This shift is reshaping how buildings are built and used. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Footprint check Spread and growth Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Green cover Policy push As India races toward net-zero goals green buildings are quietly transforming skylines across the country. From energy-efficient offices to water-saving homes, sustainable construction is no longer a niche trend but a growing national now ranks third globally in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified spaces, contributing nearly 15% of global LEED space outside the shift toward eco-friendly real estate is reshaping how real estate projects—including housing, office complexes, educational institutes, airports, IT parks, and hospitals—are being built and occupied.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Show-cause notice to nine registered units over ‘non-payment, underpayment' of scrap value of impounded vehicles
Following multiple complaints from vehicle owners, the transport department has issued show cause notices to at least nine Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in the Capital. The complaints range from non-payment or underpayment of scrap value for impounded vehicles to scrap value paid not being in accordance with government guidelines, said officials. Besides, the complaints stated that scrap value of unclaimed vehicles that were impounded had not been paid to the government, they added. These scrapping units were authorised by the transport department during the drive against 'end of life' vehicles (ELVs) or overage vehicles launched in October last year. The engagement of these units with the department has been put on hold for the time being, said officials. Sources said that following the complaints, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has issued notice to all zones of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) engaged in the drive besides the transport department. A senior transport department official said, 'The department has been receiving several complaints and grievances on a daily basis regarding non-payment or underpayment of scrap value for impounded vehicles…The complaints allege that the scrap value paid is not in accordance with the official memorandum issued by the Ministry of Steel for (such) vehicles…' The vehicle owners have also accused the RVSFs of not issuing Certificate of Deposit (COD) despite repeated communications, said officials. 'Despite repeated reminders, they did not submit the amounts/scrap value of the unclaimed vehicles to the government's treasury… As per the guidelines for handling ELVs, the RVSFs should submit the scrap value to the government within 15 days without deducting any charge…,' said a senior official from the transport department. Officials said these RVSFs have continuously violated the ELV guidelines and have not submitted data regarding COD and transaction details to the department to date. COD is issued to the owners of ELVs for getting their vehicles scrapped from a registered scrapyard. Last year, the government approved a tax rebate scheme, under which the owners get a discount on purchasing new vehicles after getting their old petrol and diesel vehicles, which have completed 15 years and 10 years, respectively, scrapped from government-authorised units. While the concession amount is 20% for new non-transport petrol/CNG/LPG vehicles and 15% for diesel vehicles, for transport vehicles, it is 15% for petrol/CNG/LPG and 10% for diesel. The tax concessions, though, cannot exceed 50% of the scrap value. The valid period of this certificate, which is electronically tradable, is three years. However, no concessions will be available for government-owned or impounded vehicles. Last year, in a drive launched before Diwali to curb vehicular pollution, the department engaged around 17 RVSFs on a voluntary basis. Delhi Traffic Police and the civic body also participated in the drive. Between October 2024 and February 2025, a total 28,049 ELVs were impounded and handed over to different RVSFs. Notably, petrol vehicles over the age of 15 and diesel vehicles over the age of 10 years have not been allowed to run in the city for the past several years. The department had started de-registering such overaged vehicles in Delhi from January 2022, following directions from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). These vehicles can be sold in other states after procuring No-Objection Certificates.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
No more questions on rare earths now: Trump after 'very good' call with Xi
US President Donald Trump held a 90-minute phone call on June 5 with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, focusing largely on trade issues, including rare earth products. Trump, who initiated the call, described it as 'very good', adding that it concluded on a positive note for both countries. According to Trump's post on Truth Social, the leaders discussed 'some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal.' He wrote: 'The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries.' Trump clarified that the conversation centred 'almost entirely on TRADE' and added, 'Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran.' China's state news agency Xinhua confirmed that Trump initiated the call, although it did not provide specific details of the discussion. The White House is yet to issue an official statement on the call. Progress on rare earths and tariffs A major highlight from the call was the apparent resolution of issues related to the complexity of rare earth products. Trump stated: 'There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products.' This comes at a time when trade tensions over critical minerals—essential to high-tech manufacturing—have persisted despite a temporary truce reached on May 12. Under that agreement, Trump reduced US tariffs on Chinese goods from 145 per cent to 30 per cent for 90 days, while China lowered its taxes on US imports from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. Trump also announced that official delegations from both countries would soon meet to continue trade talks, although the location is yet to be decided. 'Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined,' he wrote. The US delegation will include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. Exchange of invitations Trump also announced that Xi had extended a personal invitation for him and First Lady Melania Trump to visit China, which he has accepted. 'President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated,' he wrote. 'As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing.' China's foreign ministry confirmed the call, and Xinhua reported that President Xi urged Trump to reverse 'negative measures' taken by the US. Xi also likened the US-China relationship to steering a 'big ship', saying the two sides must eliminate 'all kinds of interference and even sabotage.' Xinhua also reported that Trump reassured Xi that Chinese students were welcome in the US, despite recent visa restrictions announced by his administration. Recent strains in bilateral ties This was the first direct conversation between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House over four months ago. Just a day before the call, Trump had expressed frustration over stalled negotiations, posting: 'I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!' Talks between the two nations had reached a deadlock after the May 12 agreement. A key hurdle has been the ongoing dispute over technology access and critical exports. The US has accused China of withholding critical minerals, while Beijing has objected to American export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and visa limits for Chinese students. Even with talks resuming, deeper economic differences remain. Trump is aiming to reduce America's dependence on Chinese manufacturing and revitalise domestic industry. Meanwhile, China seeks to strengthen its capabilities in sectors like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles to bolster its future economic standing. In 2024, the US ran a trade deficit of $295 billion with China, according to Census Bureau data. While China has grown into a significant economic and geopolitical force through manufacturing, its economy has recently slowed due to a property crisis and the lingering effects of pandemic-related lockdowns. Trump and Xi last spoke in January, just days before Trump's second inauguration. That discussion also focused on trade, and Trump had pressed Xi to take stronger action against the trafficking of fentanyl into the US.
