Client: Toyota Boshoku Europe N.V.
Date: 2023
Location: Europe & Africa
We assisted Toyota Boshoku Europe (TBEU) – a manufacturer of high-quality car interior components – in comprehending and adapting to the forthcoming End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive proposed by the European Commission, which aims to improve the circularity of vehicles in Europe. This collaboration has ensured TBEU’s competitiveness in the European automotive market while aligning with evolving regulatory standards.
TBEU faced the challenge of fully complying with the impending circularity requirements, particularly the mandated percentage of recycled plastics in automotive components. All new vehicles will have to include at least 25% of plastics mass coming from post-consumer waste, with a quarter of it from end-of-life vehicles. This target heavily influences TBEU products, which are mainly made of polymers.
Approach
We initiated a two-phase strategy. Firstly, we conducted a tailor-made policy analysis to identify the key measures of the ELV Regulation relevant to TBEU’s business. Subsequently, through extensive desk research, 13 interviews with plastic recyclers, car OEMs, and policy experts, as well as a site visit to a car recycling facility, we scouted solutions to help TBEU establish a secure supply chain of recycled plastics and implement them in their products.
Impact
A strategic shift towards sustainability is evidenced in Toyota Boshoku Europe’s Revised Environmental Vision, influenced by our collaboration, particularly targeting post-consumer recyclates.
Emphasising the importance of adapting to regulatory changes and embracing sustainable practices in the automotive industry, findings and recommendations were presented to TBEU’s regional management team.
In reflecting on the exceptional work conducted by Bax in researching ELV regulations, I wish to express my sincere appreciation. Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable in aiding our organisation in navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance in the automotive industry. They demonstrated a thorough understanding of our requirements and the specific challenges we faced regarding ELV regulations. Their team exhibited a high level of professionalism, communication, and commitment to delivering results that exceeded our expectations.
– Caglar Hallemoglu, Research & Development Senior General Manager at Toyota Boshoku Europe N.V
