ReMA Highlights Potential Industry Impacts of EU End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations at BIR

On Wednesday, June 3, ReMA President Robin Wiener participated in a dialogue focused on the European Union's soon-to-be adopted new end-of-life vehicle (ELV) regulations that will impact the global automotive manufacturing supply chain. The conversation took place during the International Environmental Council meeting at BIR Gothenburg 2026.

In her presentation, Wiener discussed the scope and mandate of the proposed ELV regulation, its implications for non-EU recyclers including those processing metals, plastics, and shredders, and potential traceability requirements.

The ELV regulation aims to improve vehicle circularity by introducing new requirements on recycled content, closed-loop recycling, and material traceability, while reducing the environmental impact of vehicles throughout their lifecycle. The session explored the implications of emerging regulatory frameworks for recyclers both within and beyond Europe, while also examining ongoing debates around steel standards, recycled content, and fair market conditions.

"In the U.S., the auto sector touches our industry in every direction," Wiener said. "It's customer, supplier, and source of recycled materials all at the same time. About 10 million of the 16.3 million new vehicles that were sold in the U.S. last year were produced domestically. All the stamping, machining, and assembly generates prompt industrial material-steel, aluminum, copper-that flows directly to our members."

She added that on the other end, roughly 13 million vehicles reach the end of their useful life each year. Those flow into shredders as feedstock - steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, stainless, catalytic converters. In addition, there are 289 million vehicles on American roads right now-a massive installed base with an average age of 12.8 years, per S&P Global Mobility.

"Every year that fleet gets a little richer in recyclable material content. That's your future feedstock pipeline - and it's enormous," Wiener said to attendees.

She also provided insights into engagement with automobile manufacturers in the U.S. and discuss how the regulatory developments may influence global markets.

"Global vehicle platforms and global material supply chains mean global impact," Wiener said. "ReMA will be in Detroit at the end of June to meet with automakers, researchers, and others to continue to collaborate and ensure we are doing all we can so our members will be ready for the changes we see coming. We are all going to need to work together to meet the new recycled content, traceability, dismantling, and other requirements."