Jackie Thompson
Estimates suggest that a ‘significant fragment’ of a vehicle’s carbon footprint occurs during production, with an additional five percent when it is recycled at the end of its life cycle. With the manufacture of a single petrol or diesel car emitting 5.6 tonnes of CO2 on average, sustainable production models present just one solution, according to Innovative Car Manufacturing Summit 2024. Recycling, however, provides an innovative option in a variety of applications — particularly when it comes to the trucking industry. From the value in reuse showcased by brands to the challenges involved, recycling continues to drive the industry.
Innovation Highlights Challenges
Recycling takes on a variety of forms within the automotive industry. Car manufacturers that recycle with scrap material for their new vehicles highlight just one innovative approach to cut down on landfill waste — Ford, for example, prevented the waste of 119 tons of steel in a year by simply reusing old car doors for the brand’s 2011 Explorer SUV — not to mention the fact that Ford’s cars are made of 85% recyclable materials. “Everything down to their steering wheels, windshield wiper fluids to their tyres are able to be reused in some way or another,” highlights the NYU Dispatch.
Regarding the end of a vehicle’s service life, the European Commission proposed a rule in 2023 that “aims to significantly improve the automotive industry’s environmental sustainability by encouraging recycling and the reuse of spare parts.” Not only would the rule require that automakers provide dismantlers with instructions regarding the replacement and removal of components after a vehicle’s end of service life but it would also mandate that automakers use 25% recycled plastic in their vehicles (a quarter of which must come from end-of-life vehicles, according to Automotive Dive.
The European Commission’s proposal highlights the innovative direction of the matter overseas, however, it’s imperative to realize that recycling heavy duty trucks comes with a set of challenges. Scott Tetz, President at Truck Part Solutions Inc. (TPS) and the Executive Director at ITPA based in Canada, elaborates on the matter in an interview with Auto Recycling World, citing the unique specifications of trucks to be one challenge surrounding a heavy-duty truck’s end of life. “Each model of truck can have multiple engines, transmissions, differentials. This makes interchange nearly impossible for major components.” The rules and regulations surrounding commercial trucks present additional difficulties, and the fact that heavy-duty trucks run longer creates additional issues. “Because of the life of the truck, it is impossible for the dealer to carry all the parts. They may not be able to get that part anymore.”
The Case for Electric
Regarding sustainability within the trucking industry, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) highlights the fact that U.S. companies are expanding their electric vehicle fleets. 10,265 electric trucks hit the road in 2023 alone, according to one EDF analysis of class 2b-8 fleet announcements. The lifecycle of electric heavy-duty vehicles has led to the unique situation surrounding the truck part — aka the battery itself, though it’s imperative to recognize the eco-friendly efforts that are in place. The life cycle of a truck battery, according to one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, TRATON, involves the first and second lives in addition to the recycling process, which works to extend the life of the battery as long as possible.
While the first life refers to a battery’s initial use, the battery may be repaired and reused in another vehicle (depending on its state of health and capacity). From there, TRATON notes that high-voltage batteries are recycled. “The TRATON GROUP and its brands are collectively striving to ensure that the batteries in our commercial vehicles remain in use for as long as possible,” states Christer Killgren, Business Development Manager for Circular Battery Recycling at Scania. “After all, every battery that is not produced and installed as a spare part in a bus or truck helps to conserve resources and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”
Consumer Options — Making a Change
While automakers are responsible for the vehicle production process and the integration of environmentally friendly practices, the consumer can also play a role when investing in personal vehicles. For those with an old vehicle that happens to be at the end of its lifespan, recycling can help minimize waste in the landfill, decrease energy consumption used in production (thanks to the benefits associated with recycled steel), and work to reduce pollution. While investing in quality, used truck parts can be an environmentally conscious way to maintain a current vehicle, doing research regarding the most eco-friendly investment is key when looking to replace a current vehicle. Fuel efficiency is just one key aspect to look for, with ratings of top heavy duty trucks helping determine the right option. This can be particularly useful for those looking for heavy duty trucks with towing capabilities and additional features (like heated mirrors).
Recycling encompasses a wide range of applications within the auto industry, from the innovative methods at Ford to those used by commercial trucking companies. While sustainable efforts include those such as the European Commission’s proposal, consumers can make a change on a personal level with eco-conscious practices as well.