International Automotive Recycling Congress IARC 2024
June 19-21, Antwerp, Belgium
Insights from IARC 2024: Industry Perspectives on the Future of Automotive Recycling
In June 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the International Automotive Recycling Congress (IARC 2024) in Antwerp, Belgium. My aim in participating was to gain a deeper understanding of the key concerns and intentions of industry stakeholders, particularly in light of the upcoming revision of European legislation. The European Commission is currently preparing a new regulatory proposal intended to repeal Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles (ELV), making this a crucial moment for dialogue and alignment.
The congress offered a unique platform to hear directly from key players across the automotive value chain. I want to share two interventions that stood out to me and are particularly relevant to my ongoing research.
1. Circular Economy- our Industrial and Innovative growth
Alison Jones (Stellantis Group)
The keynote speech by Alison Jones, representing the Stellantis Group, set the tone for the conference. Her presentation, “Circular Economy – Our Industrial and Innovative Growth”, introduced SUSTAINera, Stellantis’ new Circular Economy Hub dedicated to end-of-life vehicles, located in Torino, Italy.
The project emphasizes the four pillars of circularity: Repair, Remanufacture, Reuse, and Recycle. One of the most significant announcements was the collaboration with GALLOO to launch the VALORAUTO platform. This initiative offers an accessible, brand-neutral solution for ELV collection and recycling—positioning itself as simple, safe, and open to all vehicle types.
At the end of her talk, I had the chance to introduce myself and briefly exchange perspectives, which was a valuable networking moment for my research.
2. The concept of a Holistic Product Sustainability and its Trade-Offs
Timo Unger (Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center)
Another presentation that resonated with me was by Timo Unger, titled “The Concept of Holistic Product Sustainability and its Trade-Offs: The Case of PFAS and ELVR.”
His talk highlighted the fragmented and sometimes contradictory landscape of current environmental legislation. Unger pointed out a lack of clear guidance and prioritization in regulatory frameworks, leading to inefficient and often circular discussions within the industry. The PFAS debate, in particular, exemplifies the complexity of balancing product performance, environmental safety, and legislative coherence.
1. ArcelorMittal, with its headquarters in Brussels, is a global leader in steel production across sectors including automotive, construction, household appliances, and packaging. With steel-making operations in 15 countries, their strategic role in sustainable material supply for the circular economy cannot be understated. The visit highlighted their commitment to innovation in green steel production and the challenges they face in sourcing and processing recycled materials.
Expanding the View: Site Visits in Belgium
As part of my visit to Belgium for IARC 2024, I also had the opportunity to visit two key players in the recycling and steel production sectors: ArcelorMittal and Belgian Scrap Terminal (BST).
2. Belgian Scrap Terminal (BST), one of the largest metal recyclers in the country, I witnessed firsthand how scrap is transformed back into raw materials. BST processes over one million tons of metal every year, playing a crucial role in bringing vast volumes of waste back into the economic cycle. Their operations are a clear example of how industrial-scale recycling infrastructure supports the EU’s vision for a circular economy.
These visits complemented the themes of the IARC 2024 conference, offering a ground-level view of how recycling and raw material sourcing are being reimagined in practice.
Bridging Practice and Research
Participating in IARC 2024, visiting ArcelorMittal and Belgian Scrap Terminal, and engaging in discussions with professionals across the sector have provided me with a multi-dimensional understanding of the automotive recycling ecosystem. These experiences have not only deepened my knowledge of current industry practices and regulatory challenges but also enriched the analytical lens through which I approach my academic work. The combination of conference insights, site-specific observations, and direct networking with stakeholders offers a valuable bridge between theory and practice—essential for developing research that is both grounded in real-world dynamics and relevant to policy and innovation discourse.
Shredding Machine
Large shredders break down vehicles and scrap into small, manageable pieces. This allows for more precise separation of materials—steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, etc.—which can then be sent for specialized recycling. Without shredding, the process would be slower, more labor-intensive, and less effective.
AcelorMittal
Their heavy plate mills can produce plates up to 25 meters long.These examples illustrate the substantial scale of their equipment.
Belgian Scrap Terminal (BST)
operates multiple facilities in the Antwerp area, processing approximately 1.5 million tonnes of material annually, including end-of-life vehicles and electronic waste.
Networking
Industry professionals offer practical, up-to-date knowledge that you can’t always get from academic literature. Networking helps you understand how theories and policies actually play out in daily operations, revealing gaps or challenges that deserve further study.
FAQ
1. What is an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV)?
An End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) is a car or van that is no longer in use and is destined to be dismantled, recycled, or scrapped. These vehicles contain a variety of materials—steel, aluminum, plastics, fluids—that can be hazardous if not managed properly but also valuable when recovered and reintegrated into the economy through proper recycling processes.
2. What is the EU Directive for ELVs?
The EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC) aims to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles when they reach the end of their life. It sets requirements for the collection, treatment, reuse, and recycling of ELVs, and mandates that at least 95% of the vehicle’s weight must be recovered, with 85% being recycled. A new proposal is currently under discussion to update and improve this directive, especially to address newer challenges such as electric vehicle dismantling and parts traceability.
3. Does IARC have an academic perspective?
While the International Automotive Recycling Congress (IARC) is primarily an industry-focused event, it offers rich opportunities for academic engagement. The presentations, case studies, and roundtable discussions cover regulatory developments, technical innovations, and business models—topics that are directly relevant to researchers in fields like environmental policy, sustainability transitions, and industrial ecology. It also encourages interdisciplinary dialogue, making it a valuable event for academics looking to connect their research to real-world challenges.
4. Why is it so important to join forces between industrial and academic conferences?
Bringing together industry and academia fosters mutual learning and co-creation of knowledge. Researchers benefit from understanding the current needs, constraints, and innovations of the sector, while industry gains access to analytical tools, long-term visions, and independent perspectives. These synergies are essential for tackling complex challenges like circularity, decarbonization, and sustainable regulation. Conferences that support both worlds help bridge the gap between theory and practice, leading to more impactful solutions and policies.
My participation in IARC 2024 enriched my understanding of the current regulatory and industrial dynamics, and I look forward to further exploring these themes in my case study and ongoing fieldwork.