But good doesn’t automatically means good enough, if only because legislators are constantly setting higher quality standards. At the same time, the issue of resource scarcity is more relevant than ever, driving the emergence of circular models. Sustainability thus directly serves economic interests and strategic independence from materials from abroad. By using the materials from the existing vehicle fleet for new applications, we are therefore simultaneously achieving multiple goals.
Sustainability is also increasingly supporting the economic interest of the individual car owner more directly. Thanks to the well-organised dismantling sector, this person can increasingly choose original, used parts for repairs. A used part is often simply cheaper than a new one. And besides saving money, it’s also a sustainable choice: with each reused part, an average of 80% CO2 emissions are avoided. The car owner can see what their used hood, headlight, or condenser yields for the climate via the online CO2 calculator (see the PS below).
As executor of the extended producer responsibility, ARN’s activities are developing in diversity and complexity. For over thirty years, we have been safeguarding the quality (the recycling percentage) of the car recycling process, and since 2010 also the recycling of EV batteries. The knowledge and data we have built up year after year now enable us to fulfill our role on various fronts. For example, we are working hard on developing the battery chain, but we also show how much CO2 emissions a used car door saves. Not least, we are actively involved in innovative projects, such as in the field of green steel and plastic reuse, which will allow us to recover more and more materials. And together with our Belgian colleagues, we play a leading role in the collaboration with similar organisations in eighteen European countries.
We can fulfill our role thanks to an excellent partner and knowledge network. A network that once again entrusted the expert ARN team in 2024 to carefully represent all interests and – equally important – to bring together all talents, knowledge, and commitment. For which I am grateful!
You can read about the scope and diversity of our work within the car and battery recycling chains in this annual report. As announced last year, this report is just a first step towards the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). I cordially invite you to see what we did in 2024, what we achieved together with our partners, and what our plans are for 2025 and beyond.
You will discover that each chain is undergoing its own development and that ARN is developing and anticipating alongside it. From an executive organisation that keeps an eye on the quality of current chains and ensures the continuity of recycling processes, we are increasingly being recognized as a knowledge partner and connector, as evidenced by our role in collaborations and innovation programs. ARN is not standing still. We look and move forward, with an increasing focus on opportunities to reuse and recycle materials in higher quality ways.
ARN can count on support. This is evident from the fact that the importers, united in the RAI Association, have agreed by majority to apply for a new ‘generally binding declaration’ until 2030. This means that the extended producer responsibility imposed on importers is collectively met through the Auto Recycling Foundation in the Netherlands. On behalf of myself and the team, I can tell you that we will, as always, strive for excellent execution and further development.
Paul Dietz
Managing Director
PS. The CO2 calculator on our website shows at a glance what a used car part yields for the climate. This tool was created in collaboration with RAI Aftermarket and Stiba.