After investing in vegan interiors and sustainable paints, BMW aims to reduce CO emissions2 its industrial process, using recycled plastic for its interiors.
From 2025, the future models of the German company will be equipped with plastic trim elements, the raw material of which consists of approximately 30% recycled fishing nets and ropes : this is a first in the automotive industry. These raw materials are collected in ports around the world so that they are not thrown into the sea.
BMW: Fishing nets recycled into plastic fillers
This marine industry waste is subject to a exclusive processing process, to produce plastic parts that will equip the exterior and interior of future BMW cars. These recycled plastic parts have a carbon footprint approximately 25% lower than conventional plastic parts.
Similar to Fiat’s Seaqual initiative, BMW appreciates marine industry plastic waste to preserve primary oil resources, reduce CO emissions2while fighting ocean pollution.
BMW launches electric luxury with the iX SUV. A true technology demonstrator, it wants to take on rivals like the Mercedes EQS or Tesla Model X. Is there a good reason for that? pic.twitter.com/1O9b2KHhdl
— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) December 9, 2021
BMW: recycled synthetic textiles
Among the many possible uses of this recycled waste, BMW will use a synthetic yarn called Econyl, recycled nylon fiber, made from used fishing nets, as well as flooring and plastic waste. This textile fiber will then be used for make rugswhich, in particular, will equip BMW iX and BMW X1.
In collaboration with the Danish company Plastix, BMW will invest in the recycling of marine plastic waste through an innovative process: fishing nets and ropes will be recycled for production plastic granules. Composed of approximately 30% marine plastic waste, this recycled material is suitable for use in the injection molding process.
BMW: recycled plastic parts
Thus, it is possible to use this recycled material for plastic processing parts are madewhich will be used in future BMW cars from 2025 in both visible and invisible areas, inside and out.
Today, the share of recycled materials in the thermoplastics used in new BMW cars is about 20%. The BMW Group has set itself the goal of increasing this share to an average of 40% by 2030.
Volvo recently announced that it is phasing out genuine leather for the interior of its cars and is preparing to replace it with Nordico, a recycled material. https://t.co/MCkgLrpn7T
— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) October 27, 2021
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.