MR-191 Pelin Felix

The impact of automotive industry on the environment

Environment
For many years vehicle manufacturers have been working to reduce the environmental impact of their products and
manufacturing processes. Achieving the right balance of economic progress, environmental care and social
responsibility is of vital importance.

In the last 15 years, the automotive industry has made huge strides to reduce the environmental impact of its
products throughout the life cycle. Since 1999, improvements in production processes mean energy used to produce
vehicles is down 19%, water use is has been cut by 35% and 91% less waste enters landfill sites. Looking to the
future, industry will continue to drive down emissions as technical progress

Manufacturing processes
There are typically 39 different kinds of plastic in a car, and plastics account for 10% of a car’s weight, and 50% of
its volume, making passenger vehicles about 450 pounds lighter than they were 40 years ago.

In developed countries, used car disposal is heavily regulated and this allows the industry to have access to a lot of
sorted, usable, used, raw material. Polypropylene, polyurethane, and PVC account for 32%, 17% and 16% of
plastics in a car respectively (two thirds in total). Just these three plastics therefore offer huge recycling
opportunities. Using recycled, cheaper materials and better chassis design allows for cutting costs which is good for
both the environment and the manufacturers’ finances.

However, if you’re planning on driving a fuel powered car, be aware that using an old car instead of buying a new
one does not necessarily mean having a lower footprint. This means the ecological footprint of building a new car is
actually offset after 3.5 years (compared to running an old car). This is because during a car’s lifetime, 75% of the
footprint comes from the fuel it burns while manufacturing only represents 6% of the footprint.

As much as we’d like EV’s to be completely eco-friendly, battery manufacturing for electric cars still has a long way
to go to be 100% sustainable. When you buy a new electric car, you should pay attention to the battery replacement
the manufacturer will provide and check whether they refurbish batteries.

Using a car
The 1973 oil crisis, and ever since rising petrol costs, pushed auto manufacturers to design lighter and therefore
more energy efficient cars. Nowadays the engines are more efficient than ever, and electric and hybrid cars are
taking this trend further.

Using an electric car or adopting more efficient driving habits, such as keeping moderate speeds, results in more
efficiency. Remember to keep your car clutter free as excess weight can cause more fuel usage. Also, be sure to turn
off the AC when it’s not needed.

Biofuels or mixed fuels are tempting but their promise of a neutral carbon footprint is flawed. A lot of our fuel is
partly mixed with palm oil, which in 2017 was responsible for half of the total global palm oil consumption –  4
million tons per year. Because the EU subsidizes palm oil in biofuels, many people actually use palm oil
unknowingly. But whether it’s on our plates or in our cars, palm oil requires deforestation and threatens natural
habitats, emitting three times more greenhouse gases than fossil fuel.

Other biofuels, like soy, also produce twice as much carbon as oil itself. Those who are based in the EU can sign
the NotInMyTank petition to ban palm oil from biofuels. Starting with clear labeling, it will allow any car owner to
make a choice.

Recycling
Thankfully, metal is a precious commodity and its recycling is very common (about 97%). In developed and
developing countries alike, spare part collection and resale is a thriving business. Each spare part reused is one that
does not need manufacturing, and it is also very economical.

Similarly, while electric (e.g. Li-Ion) batteries are still very costly to produce, their refurbishing is a great
opportunity for manufacturers to lower the maintenance cost of electric cars and therefore to gain market share.

Today, as always, we can do small things to help the environment. While some require us to pay more, others are in
fact totally compatible with our own financial interest.