Volvo increases emissions targets through large-scale component reuse Car News

Volvo Cars predicts a 2.5 million tonne reduction in annual carbon emissions by reusing and remanufacturing components on a large scale.

The process, which he calls a “circular business principle,” will include the recycling of key materials such as steel and aluminum, the reconditioning of complex components such as gearboxes, and the reconditioning of individual parts.

Volvo remanufactured some 40,000 parts last year, saving 3,000 tonnes of CO2, and recycled 95% of its production waste (including 176,000 tonnes of steel) to save 640,000 tonnes of CO2.

Volvo is also working with battery reuse specialist Battery Loop to investigate the potential for a second life for high-voltage EV and hybrid batteries, all with the intention of becoming a “fully circular business” – using parts. fully recycled – by 2040.

Mechanical components included in the company’s reconditioning program include brake calipers, electric rear axles, compressors, generators, suspension and chassis parts, and EV traction motors, as well as engine blocks and the cylinder heads.

Anders Kärrberg, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at Volvo Cars, said: “This has major sustainability benefits. If you compare a new part with a refurbished part, you save around 85% of the CO2. There are also major advantages in terms of reducing the consumption of virgin material. “

Kärrberg explained that parts such as calipers can be remanufactured three or four times, extending their lifespan to 20 years before being replaced as the design evolves.

He said: “We are on track to double the consumption of metals and minerals in the next 40 years, and we are generating more and more waste. It is simply not sustainable. It’s not just that we generate waste: we also generate a lot of CO2.

“In order to achieve the Paris Agreement and reduce CO2 emissions, we need to do more recycling and remanufacturing. This is why companies like Volvo are about to change drastically.

“A circular economy will be important, but we see a business opportunity and financial benefits in a more efficient use of materials and remanufacturing. It’s good for the environment, but it’s also good for business.