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The BMW Group has proved in a large-scale trial involving 501
pilot-production vehicles that it now already meets the future high standards
defined for reusability, recyclability and recoverability.
The legal requirements for recycling include among others the EU Directive
2005/64/EU. This directive specifies that at least 85 percent of new vehicles
must be capable of being recycled and up to 95 percent must be recoverable by
the latest December 2008. These results verify that the recycling quotas can be
achieved by 2015.
The pre-treatment of vehicles and dismantling of components for reuse were
carried out at the BMW Group Recycling and Dismantling Centre (RDC). This
includes deactivation of pyrotechnic components by selective neutralisation and
separate removal of all fluids from the vehicle.
The latest major trial only involved disassembled components which can be
reemployed as used parts. Depending on their condition, these include wheels, or
front and tail lights. Shredding of the residual bodies and processing treatment
for the material fractions produced by post-shredder technology were carried out
at partner processing companies. These processes enable metals and composites
containing metals to be used completely as secondary raw materials directly or
following further reprocessing. Plastic waste materials in the form of a mixture
of types of plastic are particularly important. The products created were used
as recyclates for the manufacture of new components and as replacements for
conventional reducing agents, e.g. coke and heavy oil in furnaces. This means
that material loops are closed efficiently and ecologically. The high proportion
of re-used and commercially recycled materials demonstrates the importance of
end-of-life vehicles as a raw-material resource.
The initial operations of the large-scale trial were carried out at the
Recycling and Dismantling Centre. The commitment of the BMW Group to continually
optimise the recycling process has been concentrated there since 1994. Today,
this certified specialist operation is one of the leading international
facilities of its kind.
The RDC acts as a development platform and also launches important
initiatives for dismantling and drainage techniques, and for future recycling
concepts.
The BMW Group also pre-empts a large number of measures in the design and
development of its vehicles which ultimately promote efficient and ecological
re-use of the products.
The BMW Group organises this initiative under the concept of Design for
Recycling. For example, all components containing fluids are designed so that
operating fluids such as oil, fuel, brake fluid and coolant can be removed
quickly and easily prior to dismantling. Pyrotechnic components are designed so
that they can be rendered harmless selectively by plugging into a central socket
connection. This significantly simplifies and shortens the process of
dismantling and re-use.
Further information on the recycling strategy of the BMW Group can be
accessed by clicking on www.bmwgroup.com/recycling.
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