Audi demonstrates that you can turn old cars into new ones through its joint project, MaterialLoop.
The project aims to “close the loop” on materials like steel, aluminum, plastic, and glass, repurposing them to build new cars while reducing emissions and waste significantly.
CO2 emissions polluting the environment
According to EPA data, gas-powered cars emit approximately 4.6 metric tons of CO2 annually. However, these vehicles pollute the environment long before they reach the road.
Over time, producing aluminum, steel, plastics, and glass can result in significant carbon emissions.
According to the IEA, direct CO2 emissions from crude steel production are approximately 1.39 tons of CO2 per ton of steel produced.
Even though direct CO2 intensity has decreased slightly in recent years, the IEA says “substantial cuts” are still required to meet the Net Zero Scenario of zero emissions by 2050.
As a result, some carmakers, environmentalists, and other policymakers have proposed the concept of a circular economy in the automotive industry. In other words, old car parts are recycled to create new vehicles.
Audi’s MaterialLoop project
Audi has collaborated with 15 research, recycling, and supplier associates on its “MaterialLoop” project, which focuses on reusing valuable materials and reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.
Audi shares the results of its recycled car project.
Audi claims that 100 vehicles were torn down as part of the project in October 2022.
Following disassembly, car materials were arranged into groups such as steel, aluminum, plastic, and glass, and the partners tested their reuse after recycling.
According to Automobilwoche, the project’s findings indicate that over 85% of the steel and more than 60% of the aluminum from Audi’s end-of-life vehicles can be used again and recycled for future vehicles.
Ingolstadt plant used recycled parts for 15,000 vehicles
Audi’s Ingolstadt press plant in Germany uses recycled steel to manufacture inner door parts for approximately 15,000 vehicles.
The German automaker claims it has been gathering information on using recycled automotive glass in a separate pilot project since last spring.
Car windows damaged beyond repair are wrecked into small pieces and melted down. Audi claims the glass is already used to produce the Q4 e-tron electric SUV.
Audi has established a process for the first time that uses chemical recycling to reuse the plastic waste in the series production of the Audi Q8 e-tron.
See Also
