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Disassemblability Assessment of Car Parts: Lessons Learned from an Ecodesign Perspective

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  • Abel Ortego

    (Centro Universitario de la Defensa, Academia General Militar de Zaragoza (CUD-AGM), 50090 Zaragoza, Spain
    Research Institute for Energy and Resource Efficiency of Aragón (ENERGAIA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Marta Iglesias-Émbil

    (SEAT, S.A., 08760 Barcelona, Spain
    Sostenipra Research Group, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Alicia Valero

    (Research Institute for Energy and Resource Efficiency of Aragón (ENERGAIA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Miquel Gimeno-Fabra

    (Advanced Materials Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
    Dynasty Motors, 43800 Tarragona, Spain)

  • Carlos Monné

    (Energy & CO 2 Research Group, School of Engineering and Architecture (EINA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Francisco Moreno

    (Energy & CO 2 Research Group, School of Engineering and Architecture (EINA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

A conventional vehicle requires more than 50 different metals in its manufacturing, most of which are critical. Given this circumstance, enhancing sustainability from a raw materials perspective requires improvements in the disassemblability of car parts. This enhancement aims to yield metal-rich fractions, enabling the application of effective recycling processes for the recovery of critical metals. This helps avoid the downcycling that occurs in conventional shredding processes. The present study was undertaken to analyze the challenges associated with disassembling components of significant value due to their metal content. The methodology comprises two distinct main stages: an identification of critical car parts and an assessment of disassemblability. The selection of car parts was determined by the criticality of each one through the thermodynamic rarity indicator. Disassemblability was studied experimentally, encompassing three different levels. This classification defines the stages from extracting parts from the vehicle and obtaining recycling fractions in their purest form: ferrous metals, aluminum, non-ferrous metals excluding aluminum, and plastics. This methodology was implemented on two vehicles manufactured by SEAT: SEAT Leon models II and III. As a result, not only was disassemblability information about these car parts collected, but several ecodesign recommendations were also identified as valuable guidance for future designs, specifically aimed at enhancing metals’ recyclability. In conclusion, it must be acknowledged that contemporary vehicle design often prioritizes cost-effective manufacturing processes. However, this approach may compromise the disassemblability and recyclability of the product. The ongoing transition to electric vehicles necessitates a re-evaluation of design principles, particularly from the perspective of the circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Abel Ortego & Marta Iglesias-Émbil & Alicia Valero & Miquel Gimeno-Fabra & Carlos Monné & Francisco Moreno, 2024. "Disassemblability Assessment of Car Parts: Lessons Learned from an Ecodesign Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-17, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:6:p:2311-:d:1354997
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abel Ortego & Alicia Valero & Antonio Valero & Eliette Restrepo, 2018. "Vehicles and Critical Raw Materials: A Sustainability Assessment Using Thermodynamic Rarity," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(5), pages 1005-1015, October.
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