CO2 regulations have accelerated vehicle electrification—are there similar policies driving the shift toward sustainable materials?

Absolutely. Just as CO₂ regulations sped up electrification, material-focused policies are now pushing innovation in sustainable materials. These policies promote a circular economy by reducing dependence on virgin resources and increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials—especially in the automotive industry.
A key example is the EU Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles, which is being updated to include stricter recyclability and recycled content requirements. By 2030, new cars must contain at least 25% recycled plastics from post-consumer waste, with a quarter of that coming from automotive end-of-life plastics in a closed loop. 
At FORVIA and at MATERI’ACT, we’re fully committed to this transition. We work closely with policymakers and industry partners to ensure these regulations are both practical and effective in the real world. 

What types of waste can be turned into car materials? Can we really upcycle everyday trash?

Yes, and some of it already ends up in car interiors! But not all waste is suitable for automotive applications. For example, not all plastics are the same—the kind used for water bottles differs from what’s found in shampoo or detergent bottles. At MATERI’ACT, we use the latter.
Turning waste into high-performance materials isn’t as simple as repurposing it straight from the recycling bin. It needs to be carefully sorted, processed, and mixed with other elements to create durable, high-quality compounds. These then become components like dashboards or door panels.
Recycling alone isn’t a perfect solution, but it’s an essential step toward a circular economy, reducing waste and reliance on virgin materials.

Hemp, oyster shells, pineapple leaf fibers… How do these sustainable materials actually look inside a car?

There’s a growing demand for sustainability to be visible—materials that don’t just perform well but also tell a story. This has opened up new creative opportunities with designers.
Twenty years ago, car interiors were mostly dark and uniform. Today, consumers want to know where materials come from and their environmental impact. That’s why we work on making sustainability visually appealing—whether it’s showcasing natural fibers or crushed oyster shells—while ensuring top-tier performance.
This “visible sustainability” is also gaining traction beyond automotive. Different industries have different technical requirements, but the demand for sustainable materials that look and feel different is universal.

How do these sustainable materials perform compared to traditional options?

A car consists of many parts, each with specific performance requirements. Take the dashboard: its upper section must withstand sun exposure, extreme temperatures, and safety impact standards. Plus, its color must remain stable over time—nobody wants a faded, worn-out interior after a few years.
The good news? Sustainable materials can match, and sometimes even outperform, conventional plastics. For instance, one of our MATERI’ACT innovations replaces glass fiber with hemp fiber, creating a material that’s lighter, fully recyclable, and has a significantly lower CO₂ footprint.
Weight reduction is a major advantage in automotive design—it enhances energy efficiency and improves overall vehicle performance. It’s a win-win—for the planet and for the industry.

What’s the long-term goal for recycled content and CO₂ reduction?

We’re already pushing the boundaries. Initially, we targeted a 20% CO₂ reduction, but we’ve already reached 35%, which translates to around 30–40% recycled content.
By 2030, our goal is to eliminate virgin plastics entirely and use 100% recycled content. This is achievable, but it requires investment in recycling infrastructure. That’s where regulations can help, by directing funding toward building processing capacity.
Ultimately, our ideal material would be made from 100% mechanically recycled content, combined with natural resources, to achieve a near-zero carbon footprint.

Can sustainable car materials be recycled again at the end of their life?

Absolutely. Sustainability isn’t just about using recycled materials—it’s about keeping them recyclable.
All our materials can be collected at a car’s end of life, reprocessed, and reintegrated into the value chain. They might return to automotive applications or be used in other industries.
Recyclability is a non-negotiable for us. Without it, there’s no circular economy. That’s why we see sustainability as a commitment across the entire value chain—not just a single step.
 

Watch the full replay of our live LinledIn session from January 30, 2025
Can sustainable materials transform mobility? Insights from MATERI’ACT