ETH Zurich Recovers Automotive Shredder Residue as Chemical Raw Materials

Specialized VisionOn November 4, it was reported that as the European Union formulates regulations regarding end-of-life vehicles, policymakers need to consider the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of automotive materials. A new study conducted by ETH Zurich in collaboration with BASF explores an alternative treatment approach for mixed plastic waste from discarded vehicles—recovering it together with biomass.

Research has found that compared to incinerating automotive shredder residue for energy recovery, using...3 kilograms of biomass combined with 1 kilogram of automotive shredder residue for recycling can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The research from ETH Zurich is based on BASF and Austria.BEST Company launched a gasification pilot project in early 2025. In the pilot plant of BEST Company, this project combines biomass gasification with the gasification of plastic waste from automotive shredding residue for the first time.

Unlike burning plastics and biomass to generate electricity and produce steam, co-gasification can produce steam and syngas, which is a valuable raw material for the production of chemicals. Providing this new type of circular raw material to the chemical industry can reduce fossil resource consumption, lower emissions, and allow the carbon element to be retained in the cycle.

The non-fossil raw materials generated from automotive plastic waste have a considerable potential quantity. Research estimates that Europe produces over...100 million tons of automotive plastic waste are incinerated or landfilled.

André from ETH Zurich.Professor André Bardow stated, "Achieving a closed carbon loop through plastic recycling is not only beneficial for the climate but is also crucial for resource conservation. This is a key step in ensuring that the plastic industry operates within the Earth's environmental carrying capacity."