Automotive Plastics

Plastics continue to provide a range of form, function, energy and lifestyle benefits for all types of automotive applications.

The recognised commercial and environmental value which plastics already deliver in the design and use phases of a vehicle can also be extended to the materials as a resource value at end-of-life. The use of plastics in cars will increase due to the design flexibility, light weighting and other environmental gains that are available.

Sustainability Victoria and PACIA partnered on a project targeting the increased recovery and recycling of plastics in the automotive industry. Potentially 80,000 + tonnes of material end up in landfill per annum in Victoria with the potential to be put to better use.

Some of the target areas and outputs were:

• Providing a focus and resource for product stewardship in automotive/industrial plastics management
• Design-for-recycling: building in capacity for improved recovery
• Mapping material / product flows for supply chain improvements
• Identifying barriers to recovery and re-processing
• Developing industry networks to overcome these barriers
• Establishing self-managing groups for ongoing success
• Developing end-market options for plastic recyclates
• dentifying and reporting case studies of good practice as models
• Linking opportunities in other fields with the automotive sector
• Establishing a model to be transferred to other waste sectors

The Australian Automobile

A wide variety of polymer types are used in the Australian Automotive Industry today. Each material has its own unique physical properties which allow it to suit different applications. For instance, polypropylene (PP), which offers good hardness, flexibility and chemical resistance, is often used for bumper bar applications. Whereas polycarbonate (PC), with its transparency, excellent impact strength and heat resistance, is chosen for use in headlight lenses.

• Breakdown of plastic components by polymer type used in manufacture of Australian made automobiles
• Graphic outlining the typical life cycle of automotive plastics

Useful Information

End-of-Life

• Eupore: PlasticsEurope
• United Kingsom: Waste Online
• United States: American Chemistry Council
• Japan: Plastics Recycling in Japan

Recycling Links

The EPA and the Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) have partnered to create a database to facilitate waste recycling and reuse. This service is free. If you have an industrial waste stream that you would like to find a use for, register on their website.

• www.wastepro.com.au