MBA Polymers UK, Polestar partner to improve plastics circularity in electric vehicles

Polestar, a Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer, and plastics recycler MBA Polymers UK, based in Nottingham, have signed a collaborative agreement that seeks to accelerate the circular economy for electric vehicles in the U.K. by integrating more postconsumer plastics into the interior parts of luxury vehicles. 

MBA Polymers UK takes plastic bound for landfill and transforms it into quality polymers that have considerably lower carbon footprints than their virgin equivalents. As part of EMR, MBA also has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040 and is devoted to creating a closed-loop circular economy. 

The partnership follows the June launch of MBA Polymers UK’s new acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer, ABS 4125 UL, which contains more than 95 percent postconsumer recycled content. The UL-certified product provides a recycled alternative to the plastics used in electronics and automotive manufacturing.  

MBA Polymers UK’s feedstock includes end-of-life vehicles and household appliances and construction industry scrap. When the company introduced its new ABS product, it said it was derived from the fast-growing electronics recycling sector.

As well as benchmarking against the performance and specifications of other leading ABS polymers, ABS 4125 UL has achieved UL accreditation, giving further confidence to manufacturers about its traceability and quality, according to the company. UL accreditation verifies the quality, safety and sustainability of recycled plastics so manufacturers, brand owners and end users feel confident in the performance and credibility of the materials.

Draft amendments to the EU Commission’s Directive on end-of-life vehicles (ELV Directive) will require the automotive industry to ensure that at least 25 percent of the plastic used in vehicles comes from recycled sources. Of that 25 percent, a quarter must come from recycled ELVs. 

Polestar recognizes that achieving climate neutrality is a complex task and seeks to attain it through partnerships with specialized, industry-leading businesses, according to a news release about the partnership issued by EMR, MBA Polymers UK’s parent company, which adds that MBA is well-placed to rise to this challenge.

MBA Polymers UK Director Paul Mayhew says, “As a leader in plastics recycling, we are dedicated to offering solutions to sustainability challenges, and we are proud to partner with such an influential brand as Polestar. MBA Polymers UK’s expertise, combined with our state-of-the art technologies, will support this transition to high-quality recycled plastics, enabling Polestar to truly transform the automotive industry and help to safeguard the planet for future generations.” 

Ross Kelk, chief engineer, interiors, for Polestar UK R&D, adds, “We are delighted to welcome MBA Polymers UK as a partner. Aligned in our sustainability goals, MBA brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to the project. As an industry leader in vehicle recycling and the sustainable production of high-grade polymers, MBA Polymers UK will play a key role in supporting Polestar’s pursuit for a carbon-neutral car in the future.”