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

Abel Ortego (), Marta Iglesias-Émbil, Alicia Valero, Miquel Gimeno-Fabra, Carlos Monné and Francisco Moreno
Additional contact information
Abel Ortego: Centro Universitario de la Defensa, Academia General Militar de Zaragoza (CUD-AGM), 50090 Zaragoza, Spain
Marta Iglesias-Émbil: SEAT, S.A., 08760 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
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

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 6, 1-17

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.

Keywords: circular economy; disassemblability; thermodynamics; ecodesign; resource efficiency; recyclability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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