New Volvo cars to get 25 per cent recycled plastics from 2025

- New cars to utilise minimum of 25 per cent recycled plastic by 2025
- Reveals special version XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid at the Ocean Summit
- Encourages industry suppliers to work closely with car manufacturers

Volvo has revealed its plans to utilise minimum of 25 per cent recycled plastic in every new car from 2025. Demonstrating its future plans, Volvo revealed the specially built version of its XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid SUV that looks identical to the existing model, but has received several recycled plastic components. The vehicle was showcased at the Ocean Summit during the Gothenburg Volvo Ocean Race stopover.

The special Volvo XC60 on display features a tunnel console made from renewable fibres and plastics from discarded fishing nets and maritime ropes. On the floor, the carpet contains fibres made from PET plastic bottles and a recycled cotton mix from clothing manufacturers’ offcuts. The seats also use PET fibres from plastic bottles. Moreover, used car seats from old Volvo cars were used to create the sound-absorbing material under the car bonnet.

Speaking on the occasion, Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars said, “Volvo Cars is committed to minimising its global environmental footprint. Environmental care is one of Volvo’s core values and we will continue to find new ways to bring this into our business. This car and our recycled plastics ambition are further examples of that commitment.”

Adding to it, Martina Buchhauser, Senior Vice President of Global Procurement at Volvo Cars said, “We already work with some great, forward-thinking suppliers when it comes to sustainability. However, we do need increased availability of recycled plastics if we are to make our ambition a reality. That is why we call on even more suppliers and new partners to join us in investing in recycled plastics and to help us realise our ambition.”

Volvo cars is also encouraging industry suppliers to work closely with car manufacturers to develop next-generation components that are as sustainable as possible, especially with regards to incorporating more recycled plastics.