EU Council of Ministers launches new end-of-life vehicle regulation

The Council has adopted its position on the new regulation on end-of-life vehicles. The aim is to ensure that new vehicles are designed in such a way that their parts and materials can be reused, recycled or recovered at the end of their service life. For the first time, the regulation sets a binding target for the use of recycled plastics in vehicles. It also creates the basis for introducing binding targets for recycled steel, aluminum and critical raw materials in the future.

"The End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation is a milestone for Europe. It reduces waste, reduces our dependence on critical raw materials from abroad and puts our automotive industry at the heart of the circular economy. With the Council's position, this legislation will not only strengthen the competitiveness of our automotive and recycling industry, but also reduce administrative burdens to a minimum," said Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Minister for Climate Action and the Environment.

Minimum proportion of recycled materials

The general approach is to gradually introduce binding targets for the use of recycled plastics in vehicles. Six years after the regulation comes into force, at least 5% recycled plastic should initially be used. Eight years after entry into force, this proportion will rise to 20%, and after ten years it should be at least 25%. The EU Commission can allow temporary exemptions from these requirements - for example, if recycled plastics are in short supply or prices are rising sharply. Following a feasibility study, it could also set quotas for other recycled materials such as steel or aluminum.

Extended scope for more circulation potential

The Council's position sets a significantly higher level of ambition: in future, not only cars and vans, but also heavy commercial vehicles, two- and three-wheeled motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles are to be covered by the regulation. As with passenger cars, these vehicle types should also be designed in such a way that components can be easily dismantled at the end of their service life. Manufacturers will also be obliged to present a recycling strategy and label components accordingly.

Certain special vehicles - such as mobile cranes, fire engines and ambulances - have also been included in the scope of application. The aim is to better exploit the potential for reuse and recycling in other vehicle categories.

Once the Council has defined its position, it is ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as the latter has adopted its position. The planned revision of EU regulations on end-of-life vehicles is part of the European Green Deal. The aim is to link vehicle design more closely with end-of-life recycling and thus promote the circular economy in the automotive sector.

The automotive industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors in Europe. It accounts for around 19% of steel demand in the EU - equivalent to more than seven million tons per year - and around 10% of total plastics consumption, i.e. around six million tons per year. In addition, a considerable proportion of aluminium, copper, rubber and glass is used: 42% of aluminum demand in the transport sector (around two million tons), 6% of copper consumption, 65% of rubber production and around 1.5 million tons of flat glass are used in vehicle construction.