Mercedes-Benz is taking significant strides towards a circular economy by incorporating recycled tyres into the production of new vehicle components. This innovative approach not only reduces reliance on fossil resources but also lowers the carbon footprint associated with vehicle manufacturing, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability within the automotive industry and the broader use of Mercedes Benz Tyres in a circular model.
To achieve this, Mercedes-Benz collaborates with key partners, including BASF and Pyrum Innovations AG. The process begins with Pyrum Innovations AG, a specialist pyrolysis company that transforms end-of-life tyres into pyrolysis oil. This pyrolysis oil, derived from mercedes benz tyres and other used tyres, forms a crucial raw material. BASF then combines this pyrolysis oil with biomethane, sourced from agricultural waste. This combination is processed using BASF’s chemical recycling expertise and a mass balance approach. This certified method ensures that renewable resources and recycled pyrolysis oil effectively replace fossil resources needed for the final plastic product. An independent certification verifies that the necessary amount of fossil resources is substituted with these sustainable alternatives. This pioneering cooperation marks the first instance of pyrolysis oil from recycled end-of-life mercedes benz tyres being combined with biomethane in automotive manufacturing.
The utilization of secondary materials, particularly from recycled mercedes benz tyres, yields dual benefits. Firstly, it diminishes the consumption of fossil resources, a critical step towards environmental preservation. Secondly, it significantly curtails the carbon footprint associated with the production of new plastics for vehicles. Remarkably, this innovative recycled plastic achieves parity in characteristics with virgin plastic derived from crude oil. This “drop-in solution” seamlessly integrates into existing production processes without requiring extensive modifications. Crucially, the recycled plastic meets Mercedes-Benz’s stringent quality benchmarks, particularly in areas like paintability and crash safety. These attributes underscore the immense potential of waste tyre recycling processes to supplant a substantial portion of vehicle components traditionally manufactured from primary plastics.
Since 2022, Mercedes-Benz has implemented this sustainable material in series production. The EQE and S-Class models are the first to feature bow door handles manufactured using a combination of biomethane and pyrolysis oil from old mercedes benz tyres, replacing conventional fossil-based raw materials. Furthermore, the S-Class also incorporates a crash absorber made from this innovative material blend. Positioned at the front end, this component enhances impact force distribution during frontal collisions, improving safety. Future models, including the EQE SUV and EQS SUV, are slated to adopt bow door handles crafted from this recycled plastic as well, extending the application of recycled mercedes benz tyres in vehicle manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz aims to progressively expand the utilization of this more sustainable recycled material across a broader range of vehicle parts. The company is actively exploring further applications for chemical recycling in conjunction with the biomass balance approach, reinforcing its commitment to a future where mercedes benz tyres and other recycled materials play an increasingly vital role in automotive production, driving towards a more sustainable and circular economy.
