There have been many fantastic innovations to help improve car recycling. One we are happy to promote is the use of recyclable foils. They allow manufacturers to create parts like interior trim that look like real metal. However, they are lighter, more cost effective, and safe for recycling. It means more parts of vehicles can be recycled when they reach the end of their lifecycle.
Controversy
Consumers are more conscious today than ever before about sustainability. That is especially true when it comes to vehicles. Sadly, there was huge controversy earlier this month. The UK and EU fined numerous car manufacturers and trade bodies for withholding information about recycling.
A worrying thing is the carmakers and groups had an agreement not to share details about the number of vehicles that could actually be recycled. The UK and EU both see this as working to suppress customer awareness. In addition, it is against the push for more sustainable, eco-friendly products.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was also critical that manufacturers were not forthcoming in providing information to customers between 2002 and 2017. Specifically, they did not give details about the percentage of recycled materials they were using to make vehicles.
Finally, it was found that many carmakers had established a “buyer’s cartel”. In this case there had been collusion to not pay companies to handle vehicles at the end of their lifecycle.
The fallout
The UK and EU have been critical of the actions of the manufacturers and trade bodies. They make it a legal requirement to provide recyclability details so consumers can a more informed decision. All essential information should be available, even down to the use of recyclable foils.
In response to the decision, the CMA gave out close to £78m in fines. A total of 10 manufacturers and two trade bodies got the financial penalties.
The European Commission gave out an even bigger punishment. Their fines total £382.7m, punishing 15 manufacturers as well as the ACEA.
One party punished by the UK, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said it accepted the CMA’s findings and decision. In a statement they said they’ve taken steps to review and bolster protocols to ensure they are complaint. They take obligations to competition law “extremely seriously”.
Talk to us about recyclable foils
Carmakers should think very carefully about the materials and products they use. Consumer demands for sustainability and recyclability are always increasing. So, those that want to enhance their brand image should do all they can to produce, greener, more sustainable vehicles.
One thing we urge everyone to look at is using recyclable foils. They can provide a number of benefits, including enhancing recycling potential, aesthetics, and vehicle performance. The benefits are fantastic, especially if you choose products from leading manufacturers like Kurz. We’re proud to supply these exceptional foils.
So, if you need any help to pick foils, get in touch with us. We’re happy to assist, and can arrange to apply foil to various products too, including different automotive parts.