The European Union has adopted new rules aimed at making the automotive industry more sustainable by increasing the use of recycled materials in new vehicles and ensuring end-of-life vehicles are returned to the circular economy.

The regulation, approved by the Council of the European Union, introduces requirements covering the entire lifecycle of vehicles, from design and production to recycling and disposal after they reach the end of their service life.

Under the new rules, at least 15% of the plastic used in newly manufactured vehicles must come from recycled materials six years after the regulation enters into force.

That requirement will increase to 25% after 10 years, with at least 20% of the recycled plastic required to originate from end-of-life vehicles.

The regulation also makes vehicle manufacturers financially and organisationally responsible for managing vehicles throughout their entire lifecycle.

End-of-life vehicles will be required to undergo dismantling, treatment and recycling only at authorised facilities. The rules also prohibit such vehicles from being sold as used cars or exported.

In addition, the export of vehicles deemed unfit for road use will be restricted, with the aim of preventing environmental pollution from being shifted outside the European Union while keeping valuable raw materials within the bloc.

The regulation primarily applies to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, while trucks, motorcycles and special-purpose vehicles will be subject to more limited requirements.

The new rules will begin to apply two years after they enter into force. (ILKHA)