Škoda Auto: “From bumper to bumper” – Bumpers from old bumpers
The circular economy project “From bumper to bumper” focuses on sourcing, testing, and using of 100% recycled material from old bumpers at the end of their life in the production of new bumpers for cars under development. Previously, bumpers were usually burned for energy at the end of their useful life. Škoda Auto has created a closed material loop concept, where 100% recycled material from these old bumpers is used to produce new parts. This process includes the collection and selection of suitable material sources, logistics, preparation, mechanical crushing, cleaning of old paint, granulate production, production of a new part, and testing. It was the first car manufacturer to confirm the technical feasibility of reusing material from old car bumpers as the sole source for producing new bumpers. Demanding functional tests of bumpers made from 100% recycled material have shown that their mechanical properties meet the requirements for the level of standard material (so-called virgin material). The carbon footprint of using 100% recycled material is approximately a quarter lower than that of using virgin material. With this project, Škoda Auto tested the cooperation and defined the necessary steps within the value chain. The aim is to implement this concept in series production for new models being prepared.
