Technological watch

AIMPLAS is coordinating the LIFE CIRC-ELV project to enable development of a new business model in the European Union for plastic recycling from end-of-life vehicles.
LIFE CIRC-ELV Project
The aim of the project is creating a new, technically and economically viable network in Europe where these centers can separate parts such as fuel tanks and bumpers made of high-interest materials, including high-density polyethylene and polypropylene.
Plans are currently under way for initial separation followed by pre-treatment to generate recycled material for piping, as well as a recycled compound to produce new automotive components such as wheel arches.
Goal: Reduce Carbon Footprint by 75%
One project goal is to obtain 12 tons of recycled plastic from every thousand vehicles. By implementing this process and using recycled plastic, the carbon footprint is expected to be reduced by 75 percent.
In addition to coordinating the project, AIMPLAS is developing the pre-treatment method for separated plastics so they can be passed on to the compounder. AIMPLAS will also be in charge of performing environmental impact analysis throughout the life cycle.
Five other partners are participating in the LIFE CIRC-ELV project: Desguaces Cortés, Sigit and Sigrauto from Spain, Indra from France, and Isolago from Portugal.