How ReMA’s Automotive Panel Fostered Collaboration Across the Automotive Supply Chain

"There's a fundamental shift happening in the global automotive supply chain," said Robin Wiener in her opening remarks at the automotive panel held during ReMA's Summer Meetings in Detroit, MI.

The panel brought together leaders from across the automotive value chain to discuss how recyclers and automakers can work together to strengthen supply chains, support manufacturing, and advance circular solutions across the automotive sector.

Moderated by Kari Bliss, Circular Economy Strategist and Sustainability Leader at PADNOS, the panel featured Mark Bacchus, Senior Manager, Chemical and Materials Stewardship, Regulatory Affairs, and Environmental Sustainability at Toyota, Ellen Lee, Technical Leader, Advanced Polymer Technologies at Ford, and Dan Bowerson, Vice President Energy & Environment at Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

A consistent theme emerged throughout the discussion: the future of automotive manufacturing depends on closer collaboration between automakers and the recycled materials industry.

"We as OEMs realize that we're very dependent on [recyclers] to get the materials we need for our vehicles," Bacchus said. "That is one of the big reasons why we need to expand that relationship."

Lee agreed. "Henry Ford once said that the farmer and the car maker each produces what the other needs. I would say the same is true for the recyclers and the car makers. We each produce what the other needs. That symbiotic relationship is what really drives circularity. We're looking to partner together to help improve recovery, sortation, and separation."

Panelists identified opportunities for stronger joint advocacy. Bowerson emphasized that policymakers benefit from hearing directly from both industries. "We want to find opportunities to bring recyclers into the conversation so you can share your perspectives and speak for the industry."

He added that greater collaboration can help shape policies that work across the entire automotive ecosystem.

"There's a lot of opportunity for recyclers to learn from the automotive industry and for the auto industry to learn from recyclers-working together on advocacy efforts and developing policy that works for both sectors."

Bacchus also remarked that the automotive industry recognizes that it can no longer operate in a silo and that car manufacturers depend on recyclers.

"We look at you guys now as suppliers. You are suppliers for us. We are dependent on you. We hope you lean into the technological advancements going in in your industry."

The panelists reviewed Mexico's General Law for the Circular Economy, the EU ELV regulations, the UN's plastic pollution treaty, and Colorado's vehicle battery EPR policies.

When discussing the EU ELV regulations, Bacchus noted, "There's going to need to be some degree of material traceability to comply with those requirements. Automakers and recyclers will both be impacted. We'll need to come to [recyclers] and ask how you're complying with 'x' and we need to prove to the European government that we have 'z' percent of the material to export the vehicle to Europe."

As the automotive sector continues its transition toward greater circularity, the discussion reinforced that stronger partnerships between manufacturers and recyclers will be essential to building resilient supply chains, meeting regulatory expectations, and supporting the future of American manufacturing.