European Union implements new end-of-life vehicle recycling regulations

New European Union regulations regarding end-of-life vehicles (ELV) have entered into force, aiming to strengthen the circularity of the automotive industry and increase Europe's strategic autonomy regarding raw materials. The regulation covers the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, from design and production to collection and treatment.

Key provisions include mandatory requirements for manufacturers to provide detailed instructions for the removal and replacement of components to facilitate easier dismantling. Additionally, the regulation introduces mandatory targets for the use of recycled plastic in vehicle production. These measures are intended to recover valuable materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and plastic, reducing reliance on imported virgin raw materials.

In Portugal, the non-profit entity Valorcar, which manages the Integrated Management System for End-of-Life Vehicles, reported that more than 65,000 vehicles were scrapped in the first half of the year, averaging over 360 vehicles daily. If current trends continue, the annual total may surpass last year's figure of 116,000 vehicles.