JLR trials chemical recycling for I-Pace component

The ChemCycling project involves BASF transforming domestic plastic waste into pyrolysis oil using a thermochemical process. The pyrolysis oil then replaces fossil fuels as the feedstock for creating new plastic products. According to BASF, the process can use plastics that would otherwise be unsuitable for recycling, such as multi-layer films or plastics with residues. The resulting material can also be tempered and coloured, making it a good replacement for the dashboard and exterior components that are often produced using virgin plastics.   

Jaguar Land Rover and BASF are currently testing the pilot phase material in a Jaguar I-Pace prototype front-end carrier overmoulding to verify it meets the same safety requirements of the original part. If successful, ChemCycling parts could begin to replace a host of plastic components across JLR’s range of vehicles. 

“Plastics are vital to car manufacturing and have proven benefits during their use phase, however, plastic waste remains a major global challenge,” said Chris Brown, senior sustainability manager at JLR. “Solving this issue requires innovation and joined-up thinking between regulators, manufacturers and suppliers.