Automotive Loved Recycling

We always talk about recycling in every field, and while some thoughts come to life, some unfortunately remain only in assumptions. However, there is such a sector that it not only leads the recycling like a locomotive, but also turns every recycling into added value. Of course, as you guessed, we are talking about the automotive industry.

In many of our articles before, we talked about automotive innovations obtained from many recycling. Many innovations, from light and durable parts used in racing cars to vehicles made entirely from recycled, surprised us and made a rapid entry into our lives.

Here is another innovation, here is a recycling success story. BMW began using polyamide from recycled fishing nets for car floors and mats. According to Capgemini, sustainability has become a strategic priority for the automotive industry; Automotive organizations are increasingly using sustainable materials, and 62% of them claim to have a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Since 2016, the BMW Group has been using recycled polyamide (PA) based Econyl yarn to make floors and mats for BMW i3, BMW iX and other models. Committed to sustainability and the process, Daniela Bohlinger, Head of Design Sustainability at BMW Group, visited Giulio Bonazzi, CEO of Aquafil in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where Econyl yarn is produced from recycled fishing nets and other polyamide waste.

Compared to petroleum-based PAs, producing Econyl yarn from recycled materials is reported to result in up to 90% reduction in global warming potential. As the BMW Group, we want to lead the automotive industry towards sustainability. From the very beginning, we consider the entire product lifecycle and increasingly use materials that can be recycled and then used for other purposes, ”said Bohlinger. “Because Econyl yarn has a great color range, it is very easy for us to design. Of course, any product made from recycled materials should look flawless and provide exceptional quality. ”Econyl PA is a sought-after material used by more than 1,000 brands worldwide, including Breitling, Stella McCartney, Prada, Gucci and Adidas.

When products made from Econyl yarn reach the end of their life, they can once again be recycled and turned into other new products. “You can continue to recycle these products as many times as you want. This is a real sustainability, ”said Giulio Bonazzi, Aquafil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We truly value the support we give to leading companies like the BMW Group as we work to build a global circular economy." He used these words.

Of course, we, as consumers, should support all brands that have adopted recycling. Let's give support so that their attempts do not go unrequited, and that their labor returns as motivation and positive energy.