Spain's vehicle dismantling centers adapt to new EU plastic recycling rules

Spain's 1,400 vehicle dismantling centers are preparing to play a critical role in the automotive industry's circular economy following new European regulations. As of August 13, new EU rules mandate that new vehicles must contain 15% recycled plastic by 2032 and 25% by 2036.

According to Sigrauto, the Spanish association for the environmental treatment of end-of-life vehicles, the sector employs approximately 12,500 people directly through dismantling centers, fragmentation facilities, and post-fragmentation sites. Last year, these centers processed 671,675 automobiles. However, industry experts note that this figure is below the estimated 750,000 units that should be processed given the age of the Spanish vehicle fleet, which averages over 15 years.

Regional processing leaders include Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and the Community of Madrid. The industry faces upcoming challenges regarding the transition to electric vehicles, which introduces new complexities to the recycling process.