European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) Roadmap on Circularity and Competitiveness

Kurzfassung

The document titled "Circular Economy and Competitiveness of the European Road Transport" emphasizes the urgent need for the automotive industry to transition towards a circular economy (CE) to enhance sustainability and resource sovereignty complementing the efforts towards zero-emission road transport. It defines the CE model as one that promotes the continuous reuse, repair, and recycling of materials, contrasting sharply with the traditional linear economy characterized by a take-make-dispose approach. The document highlights the significance of the 9R principles—Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Recycle, and Recover—as essential strategies for implementing a circular economy. The automotive sector currently faces significant challenges, including high material consumption, low vehicle-to-vehicle recycling rates, substantial scope 3 upstream CO2emissions, and a dependency on non-EU resources. The EU's reliance on material imports (particularly but not only for zero-emission vehicles), the pressing need for improved resource productivity, and to reduce the carbon footprint are identified as critical issues that must be addressed. In response, the European Commission has introduced various strategies and regulations aimed at enhancing circularity including new battery regulations and proposals for stricter vehicle design and end-of-life management. These initiatives are designed to modernize existing legislation, reduce the environmental impact associated with vehicle production and disposal, and improve access to recycled materials. The document outlines several research priorities essential for advancing the circular economy for zero-emission vehicles within the automotive sector. These include the development of sustainable materials and innovative recycling technologies, improvements in product design for circularity, and enhancements in reverse logistics and dismantling processes. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of digital solutions for tracking, tracing, and managing products, components, and materials throughout their lifecycle. The automotive industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation in Europe, contributing significantly to the region's GDP and employment. By enhancing vehicle circularity, the sector can generate broader benefits that extend to other industries. Achieving a true circular economy requires collaboration across various sectors, including manufacturing, energy, finance, and waste management. This integrated approach is essential for optimizing resource recovery and minimizing environmental impacts. In conclusion, the document advocates for a comprehensive transition to a circular economy in the automotive sector. It underscores the necessity for innovative research, supportive policies, and cross-sector collaboration to effectively address environmental challenges and enhance the competitiveness of the industry. Interlinked with the transition towards zero-emission road transport, circular economy will become a competitive edge for Europe. The roadmap addresses a two-layer approach for future research and innovation programs at both European and national levels: Firstly, it proposes three large-scale, industry-led lighthouse projects on European level (Fossil Free Automotive Polymers, Transcontinental Recycling System and Recycling Factory of the Future) that should be managed with continuous attention and support at the highest possible level with ample funding supported by the best available project management practices and capable human resources, following a similar way to China’s Road-and-Belt Initiative, and the USA’s the Lightspeed and Stargate projects. The rationale for focusing efforts on these projects is straightforward: only by deploying substantial private and public resources in the multibillion-euro range the EU will be able to leapfrog circularity and competitiveness to the next level in a timely manner. These projects should be integrated into the Next Framework Programme (“FP10”). Secondly, these large projects should be complemented by smaller and highly connected initiatives and projects on national and/or European levels that focus on specific research and innovation needs. These projects should be embedded as soon as possible in national and/or European public, academic, and corporate research and innovation frameworks.