Peugeot 208 and 2008 help PSA optimise recycling operation

Groupe PSA and the Peugeot brand are looking at optimising resources by integrating green or recycled materials into production vehicles to sustain recycling channels and reduce the environmental footprint.

Joint programs between the all-new Peugeot 208 and Peugeot 2008 SUV have led to the shared use of recycled and natural materials in these vehicles. The all-new Peugeot 208 and 2008 SUV have an average of 30 percent and 31 percent (respectively) recycled and natural materials, which amounts to approximately 40 parts.

The integration of recycled materials
Incorporating environmental challenges has shaped the design of newly launched vehicles. From the design stage, all new vehicles must include recycled materials, which are evaluated according to how they are manufactured and the end-of-life procedure.These include:

• The use of natural hemp fibres for dashboard reinforcements
• The use of recycled polypropylene on the spoilers (air under the floor, under the tank, airbag, front/rear fenders) and in the front/rear bumpers
• The use of recycled polyamide in the wheel covers and the intake manifold, as well as in the fan-motor assembly

The Peugeot 508 has an average of 31% recycled and natural materials in the vehicle, with approximately 80 polymer parts including recycled and natural materials. Notable applications for the Peugeot 508 include:

• The use of natural hemp fibres in windshield defroster ducts
• The use of recycled polypropylene in the spoilers or the spare wheel storage device

The environmental challenge
It is estimated that by 2060, there will be 10 billion people on earth. The OECD estimates that the use of raw materials will double to keep pace with growth, putting twice as much pressure on the environment.

With legislation already in place to reduce tail pipe emissions, manufacturers also need to limit the environmental impact on the raw materials used in production and through the end-of-life recycling process (recycling of scrapped vehicles).

For reducing the risk of dependency and to control production costs, car manufacturers are looking at various solutions. Some options include

• Using materials from a responsible supply chain
• Responsibly handling end-of-life products (in particular vehicles and batteries for electric vehicles)
• Using materials compatible with the circular economy by focusing on the need to recover and recycle end-of-life vehicles and to recycle materials that are becoming scarce
• Using fewer natural resources that are increasingly expensive as they become scarcer
• Eliminating hazardous substances