Research on innovations and sustainability
Innovation continues to fuel the improvement of car-recycling performance.
For the benefit of companies in the recycling chain, ARN commissions research into the recycling of new substances and the optimisation of its processes.
To this end, ARN collaborates with universities and various research institutes.
Future-oriented research
At least 95 per cent of an end-of-life vehicle, by weight, must be recycled. In practice, though, this is often 98 percent.
However, given that the automotive world is quickly and constantly changing, there are plenty of challenges on the horizon. The increasing numbers of electric cars and their batteries, digitalisation and the use of lightweight plastics all call for specific solutions.
In research carried out by ARN, we try to anticipate developments that can be expected in future.
To this end, ARN contributes to ongoing research projects and participates in countless partnerships.
CO2-footprint of the recycling chain
At ARN we have been mapping our CO₂ (carbon) footprint since 2010. This enables us to ascertain the environmental impact of our activities and of our chain partners.
The objective is to minimise CO₂ emissions in all our recycling activities and thus contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
Pioneering role in developing new installations
Sometimes ARN will take the lead in the development of a new technology or installation, with the eventual objective being for the market to take over. This was the case, for example, with the PST factory, which, among other things, now makes it easier to recycle plastics. The PST factory was part of ARN, but it is now an independent company.
This approach makes it possible for innovations to find their way into the recycling chain, even before market-based parties become part of the equation.