In search of circular models

As a result of this ambitious approach, the demand for recycled material will increase. This offers opportunities for efficient and innovative recycling techniques, higher-quality reuse, and new circular models, including circular design. ARN is excellently positioned to play a meaningful role in these various developments together with other parties.

In Search of New Technology

The recycling performance for end-of-life vehicles has been well above 98% for years. With the European ambition focusing on circularity and resource conservation, ARN is therefore placing more emphasis on optimizing reuse and recovering as many materials as possible. In doing so, ARN anticipates stricter standards from Brussels through the upcoming End of Life Regulation and the Battery Regulation, which will come into effect in August 2025.

Cars are one of the most complex consumer products and contain various plastics, fluids, and glass in addition to metals. Besides optimizing mechanical separation, ARN participates in various projects that map and develop innovative technologies for chemical separation and/or processing. The latter mainly concerns plastic streams. There are multiple possibilities, although these are still in an early stage. It is clear that for plastics, multiple processing techniques must be combined to meet future targets. ARN collaborates with various companies and knowledge institutions for this purpose.

Several concrete solution directions being explored with these partners include:

• Use of AI to improve sorting processes
• Dissolving polycarbonate from headlights for pure recovery
• Depolymerization of PUR foam and nylon from airbags

Concern About Refrigerant

Based on available vehicle data, ARN analyzed in 2024 that less refrigerant is being returned than would be expected. This concerns a potentially very harmful gas (1,500 times more environmentally damaging than CO₂), which is important to be carefully captured. A possible cause for less refrigerant being returned than expected is that car dismantling companies are allowed to resell the refrigerant under certain conditions. These conditions include, among others, registration of sales and a check on the buyer’s authorization to work with refrigerant. Through an incentive scheme, ARN has gained more insight into this, which will be followed up in 2025

Trainings

Since 2022, trainings have been provided in collaboration with Innovam regarding electric vehicles. An important aspect in the disposal of EV batteries is the correct classification of the battery for safe transport. The person registering the battery for disposal is responsible for doing so correctly, in accordance with ADR regulations. Therefore, in 2025, a training for the classification of EV batteries will be developed. This is essential information for both car dismantling companies and car businesses.

Storage of Lithium Batteries

The PGS37-2 guideline for the storage of lithium batteries will likely be included in the Activities Decree Environment from the end of 2025, making the strict rules legally binding under the Environmental Act. The reason for PGS37-2 is that there were no storage rules for the specific risks surrounding the storage of lithium batteries. With the increase in batteries and accumulators, and consequently the higher risk level of fire (so-called thermal runaway), this guideline was necessary.

Together with BOVAG, RAI Association, and Stiba, ARN is discussing the feasibility of the rules that will lead to significant investments in fire fighting and control.

Avoiding CO₂ Through Reuse

In February 2025, ARN, together with RAI Aftermarket and Stiba, introduced an online CO₂ calculator with the aim of stimulating the reuse of car parts. With this tool, it can be directly calculated how much CO₂ is avoided by choosing a used part. By the way, used car parts are often cheaper, while they are easy to find and come with a warranty.

Take a look at the CO₂ calculator. Febelauto, the Belgian ARN, already had a similar CO₂ calculator.

End-of-Life Regulation

The new European regulation for end-of-life vehicles is expected to come into effect in 2026 and will have major consequences for the collection, processing, and recycling of discarded cars. To achieve the desired improvements, a lot of effort is expected from all parties. ARN is committed to supporting the sector to the fullest extent in this regard.

ARN already indicated in 2023 that it is important to keep an eye on the required effort in relation to the desired impact of measures. Together with sister organisations in Europe, ARN has recommended that end-of-life vehicles should only be processed by certified companies, and that illegal collection and processing must be enforced. Moreover, it is important to strive for a level playing field in Europe.