On February 25, Circuit Zolder was not about the fastest lap time but about accelerating towards circular mobility. During the ‘Circular Vehicle Solutions’ event, organized by POM Limburg, Flanders Make, Agoria, and AMAC, experts and companies gathered to pave the way for the automotive sector of the future. One thing was certain: the road ahead is … a roundabout.
For 26 years, Febelauto has been coordinating the recycling and processing of end-of-life vehicles in Belgium. “With 98% material recovery, we set the standard in Europe,” says director Catherine Lenaerts. “But circular mobility goes beyond recycling: 23% of an end-of-life vehicle is effectively reused, from engine components to chassis. That is a significant amount compared to other industries.”
This circular approach is becoming increasingly important as the number of discarded EV batteries rises sharply. “The volume of collected batteries doubles every year,” Catherine further explains. “This requires specialized processing and safe storage, as many batteries are in a critical state. Nevertheless, last year we were able to reuse or recycle 85% of EV batteries.”
Reuse of Second-Hand Parts
Not only batteries but also second-hand EV parts are gaining importance. “Manufacturers can significantly reduce their CO₂ footprint by reusing parts,” says Catherine. “Foreign recycling companies are capitalizing on this with digital platforms where these parts can be purchased. This leads to fierce competition but simultaneously strengthens the transition to a more sustainable sector.”
Europe is also playing an active role by imposing new regulations on car manufacturers, including stricter material reuse requirements and enhanced traceability for batteries and parts. “This prevents illegal trade and forces the automotive industry to truly design for circularity. Only in this way can we complete the circle together.”
Regulations as a Driving Force
Targeted policies from Europe play a crucial role. It is something that Els Fonteyne, Circular Economy expert at Agoria, is pleased to see happening. “The EU Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, but also for a sustainable and resilient economy in Europe, where economic growth is decoupled from resource consumption.” The Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) and the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR) are key legislations that encourage sustainable product development. “The focus today is not only on recycling but also on extending product lifespan, repair, and reuse,” Els explains. “We need to design products that last longer and are easy to repair.”
Circular Vehicle Passport
The digital product passport should contribute to this by providing detailed information on the composition, repair, and reuse of products such as textiles and electronics. “It makes circular design transparent and accessible, even for consumers,” she says. For batteries, this passport will be mandatory from 2027, but a proposal is also on the table to create a circular vehicle passport. This should ensure that all essential information about the composition, reusability, and recycling of vehicles is made transparent. “A game-changer for the industry, although the proposal has not yet been definitively approved,” Els states.
AI in the Driver’s Seat
And what about the transition to autonomous driving? Jeroen van der Werf, manager of Smart Mobility at VDL Enabling Transport Solutions, sees a promising future. “Self-driving transport is becoming increasingly relevant, not only to reduce emissions but also as a solution to the growing shortage of bus and truck drivers,” he says. “The industry is already facing a massive number of unfilled vacancies, and that number is expected to double by 2028.”
So, are self-driving vehicles just a theoretical solution, or are they already being implemented? “Currently, we are experimenting with autonomous technologies in controlled environments, such as bus depots or logistics zones, where vehicles can maneuver independently. The next step could be dedicated lanes in traffic for self-driving buses and trucks.”
Optimistic Forecasts
The technology presents enormous opportunities, but ultimately, economic viability is key. “Without a financially feasible solution, it remains just a good idea. However, the numbers are promising.” Automated public transport could lead to a 50% cost reduction by 2030. In freight transport, self-driving trucks could result in lower fuel consumption, fewer empty trips, and reduced operational costs.
“The first implementations will not only reveal possibilities but also challenges. The sooner we take this step, the sooner we can adjust and improve,” Jeroen concludes.
A New Mindset
In a concluding panel discussion, experts reiterated that the only way forward is circularity. The mindset in the automotive sector is clearly changing. “Where recycling was barely on the radar in the past, it is now becoming an asset. More and more brands, such as Mercedes and BMW, are using recycled materials as a marketing strategy to promote their new models. This is a positive development,” says Catherine.
“Unfortunately, we will not be moving away from fossil fuels anytime soon,” emphasizes Yannick Meerten, material expert and project manager at POM Limburg. “But instead of using oil directly as fuel, we can turn it into high-quality materials, such as composites. These can last for decades in cars and other applications before ultimately being used as an energy source.”
Michael Effing, director of consultancy firm AMAC, agrees: “In the 1990s, Renault introduced composite panels in the Espace, but since cars last 20 to 30 years, nothing came back for recycling at the time. Today, things are different: recycling thermoplastics is becoming increasingly popular. We see a rise in recycled materials, particularly short and long fibers, and more plastic components finding their way into new applications. Even for thermosets, which are harder to recycle, solutions exist in the construction sector and other industries.”
“But we need to look beyond just recycling,” Els notes. “Car sharing, for example, increases the utilization rate of vehicles, allowing us to do more with fewer materials. Instead of owning a car that remains idle 90% of the time, people can use a vehicle that suits their needs at a given moment – small for commuting, larger for family trips. This opens the door to innovative vehicle concepts and more sustainable mobility.”
The conclusion was unanimous: “The future? It runs on circularity.”
