- Binding targets for the use of recycled materials in new vehicles
- Increased manufacturer responsibility for the collection and treatment of end-of-life vehicles
- Of the 285.6 million motor vehicles in the EU, 6.5 million reach the end of their service life each year
On Tuesday, the EP adopted proposals on the circular economy, covering the life cycle of a vehicle from design to final treatment at the end of its life.
The text, adopted by 431 votes to 145 with 76 abstentions, aims to promote the transition of the automotive sector to a circular economy by reducing the environmental impacts associated with the production and treatment of end-of-life vehicles and strengthening the sustainability of the automotive recycling industry in Europe.
Exceptions apply to special vehicles, vehicles designed and built for the armed forces, civil defence, fire brigade and rescue services, as well as vehicles of historical and special cultural interest.
Improved vehicle design and use of recycled materials
New vehicles should be designed so that as many parts and components as possible can be easily removed for replacement, reuse, recycling, remanufacturing or overhaul, where technically possible.
MEPs want the plastic used in every new vehicle type to contain at least 20% recycled plastic within six years of the rules coming into force. They also want manufacturers to achieve a target of at least 25% within 10 years of the rules coming into force, provided sufficient recycled plastic is available at reasonable prices. They also want the Commission to set targets for recycled steel and aluminum, as well as their alloys, following a feasibility study.
Stricter regulations for the disposal and export of end-of-life vehicles
Three years after the new rules come into force, manufacturers would have extended producer responsibility, meaning they would have to cover the costs of collecting and treating vehicles that have reached the end of their life. MEPs want a clearer distinction between used vehicles and end-of-life vehicles, with an export ban on vehicles deemed to be end-of-life.
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Co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE) from the Environment Committee and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, LT ) from the Internal Market Committee stated: “Parliament supports the circular economy in the automotive sector. We promote resource security, protect the environment, and ensure sustainability. To avoid overloading the industry, we have set realistic targets and ensured less bureaucracy and fair competition.”
Next Steps
Since the Council adopted its position at the beginning of the summer, interinstitutional negotiations are expected to start immediately.
background
On 13 July 2023, the Commission proposed a new regulation on circular economy requirements for the design of vehicles and improved management of end-of-life vehicles, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan .
In 2023, 14.8 million motor vehicles were produced in the EU, while 12.4 million were registered. There are 285.6 million motor vehicles on EU roads, and around 6.5 million reach the end of their service life each year.
Source: European Parliament