In 2026, leading automakers like Toyota Prius, Ford Focus, BMW i3, Volvo XC60, Honda Civic, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Renault Zoe, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Leaf, and Peugeot 208 use aluminium in the manufacturing process to ensure its recyclable status, and also to help reduce the overall weight of the cars, increasing their efficiency.

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As the global automotive industry is starting to take a significant role in the recycling of aluminium, the car manufacturers are also shifting their design philosophy toward a modular assembly using standardised fasteners. This allows them to manufacture parts separately, which helps the recyclers to quickly and easily separate clean aluminium for recycling. The assembly process is critical because if contaminated or mixed scrap is processed, then the recycling efficiency of that scrap, as well as its market value, will be negatively affected. 

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The modern manufacturing approach sets a benchmark for how sustainability could be integrated into mainstream car manufacturing. Moreover, the use of minimal coating and paints allows easy removal during the shredding process. This strategy ensures that 90 per cent of material can be effectively recovered from the vehicles and can be used in making new cars.

Panels and other items located in the interior of the car can be removed easily, which makes it easier to recycle or repurpose those items. All plastics used in the interior of the car possess their recycling codes clearly visible for the correct processing of the materials at the recycling centre. Adhesives used for the assembly of many parts are either minimised or substituted with mechanical fasteners where possible, so that the components can be separated easily. Seats, dashboards, and other trim panels are transformed into modular structures that could be removed quickly and efficiently for recycling purposes. The body panels used for the manufacture of the car were made of either steel or aluminium, which can easily be separated and melted down. Most electronic parts used in cars are centralised into modular components that would allow for the easy and safe removal and recycling of the electronic systems. 

Additionally, various consumer programs promoted the responsible disposal of hazardous materials. All these mechanisms are used by the automakers to effectively utilise the aluminium for a more sustainable environment. 

Choosing cars made with recycled aluminium isn’t just good for the environment- it’s a smart move for your wallet too.

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