Powerhand Attachment Integral to Automotive Plastics Circularity Pilot

The GIC, a CEO-led collaborative platform originally incubated at the World Economic Forum, has brought together global leaders in the chemical and recycling industries including BASF, Covestro, LG Chem, LyondellBasell, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, SABIC, SUEZ, and Syensqo to address the critical challenge of recycling plastics from ELVs (learn more about the pilot).

Each year, over 800,000 metric tonnes of ELV plastics in the EU alone are incinerated or landfilled, resulting in significant environmental and economic losses. This pilot is a key first step to transform this waste into valuable resources, enabling the automotive industry to significantly increase the rate of closed-loop recycled plastics.

The pilot, taking place in the Netherlands and Germany, involves the dismantling, shredding, and sorting of plastic fractions from 100 ELVs. These fractions are clustered into 20 types of polymers and automotive parts, which are then recycled by the collaborating companies using their specific technologies.

Central to the success of this project is the Powerhand VRS200 Vehicle Dismantler, used by Jeroen Boer, owner of a full VRS200 system purchased directly from Powerhand. Boer’s operation has been instrumental in demonstrating the VRS200’s precision and efficiency in extracting valuable materials such as copper wiring, engine components, and most importantly for this project, specific plastic parts—key to ensuring high-quality recycling streams.

“The VRS200 has more than proven its worth in this pilot, allowing operators like Jeroen to extract pure plastic fractions with exceptional accuracy,” said . “Our equipment is designed to go beyond dismantling, it’s about delivering sustainable solutions that support our customers and the future of automotive recycling.”

With the European Union’s proposed ELV regulations mandating that 25% of plastics in new vehicles must be derived from recycled materials by 2030, the GIC’s Automotive Plastics Circularity Pilot represents a crucial step forward in achieving this target. By enabling efficient and accurate material separation, the VRS200 plays a vital role in increasing the rate of recycled ELV plastics and minimising waste.

Powerhand specialises in the design and manufacture of hydraulic attachments for forestry, vehicle recycling, and rail infrastructure. With a reputation for incomparable design, precision engineering, and exceptional performance, Powerhand’s products are trusted by professionals worldwide.

For More Information: Visit Powerhand’s website to learn more about the VRS200 and its role in sustainable automotive recycling.

All images are credited to GIC