RecyClass has successfully completed its first Automotive & Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) testing campaign, confirming that impact-modified polypropylene (PP) compounds used in demanding application such as automotive bumpers are compatible with mechanical recycling streams in Europe. The findings provide important evidence for the development of closed-loop recycling systems for plastics in automotive and EEE applications, advancing circularity in these complex sectors.
Conducted under the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for Automotive and EEE Resins, the milestone campaign assessed nine industrial formulations featuring seven elastomer technologies. The results demonstrate that the tested impact-modified PP compounds can be effectively recovered and reprocessed without compromising the overall quality of the resulting recyclate, expanding recycling opportunities for high-performance plastics.
While the evaluation focused on automotive bumper applications, the tested materials can also be used in other automotive and EEE applications. The findings will be integrated into the Design for Recycling Guidelines for vehicles, refrigeration equipment, and small electrical & electronic appliances. The guidelines provide manufacturers with practical recommendations for designing recyclable products.
As the first testing campaign specific to the automotive & EEE sector, this initiative marks an important step in strengthening the technical knowledge needed to advance plastics circularity in demanding applications. RecyClass’ continuous development of scientific recyclability assessments will play a key role in helping the industry anticipate the requirements of European legislation, including the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation.
RecyClass welcomes industry collaboration in future testing campaigns to further generate scientific knowledge on recycling in the automotive and EEE streams. By testing new innovations and technologies, stakeholders can take an active role in shaping robust methodologies and identifying the most effective routes towards plastics circularity.
Published November 2026
