Sustinplas ELV-R study updated after the “Compromise” found in Brussels in July 2025

What impact the new ELV-R will have on recycled plastics in Automotive?

We have updated our 145 page study to provide an holistic understanding of the ELV-R regulation on the Automotive plastic industry. The initial ELV-R proposal from July 2023 has been significantly amended on July 7th 2025. It should be submitted to a vote at the EU parliament in September 2025 after the "trilogue review".

As expected, the recycled plastic content sourced from ELV dropped from 6,2% to 3%, but unexpectedly the PIR can now account for up to 50% of the recycled plastic content. so where should the automotive industry focus now?

→ Our analysis on application and material bring us to recommend to focus exclusively PCR source on rPP , rABS or rPC/ABS recovered from ELV (ASR) to reach the ELV-R 3% ratio

→ No more need to explore “chemical recycling” or advanced recycling technology for surface sensitive applications, focusing on "non-sensitive" plastic application, using Mechanical recycling will be enough to reach the minimum PCR content of 10%. PIR being already used but not declared.

→ No need to consider each single component of the vehicle to use PCR , focussing on a few heavy automotive plastic applications (Bumper skin, painted plastic, rear lamp housing) will be enough to reach the ELV-R closed loop weight ratio while reducing R&D and quality risks

Good news for the OEMs, and Tier 1 but not really for the plastic recycling industry nor the environment.

The new study will help you understand what blends and what ratio of PCR, PIR and virgin plastic should we expect by automotive applications in 2031.