With the new Fiat Grande Panda, the car manufacturer is demonstrating that recycled PolyAl - a by-product of beverage carton recycling - can be used in vehicle construction on an industrial scale for the first time. Around 140 beverage cartons are recycled per model.
With the new Grande Panda, Fiat is sending out a strong signal for the circular economy and material innovation: the interior of the series model contains components made from PolyAl, a mixture of polymers and aluminium that is obtained from the recycling of beverage cartons. The material is used in the centre console, the dashboard and the door panels, among other things. visible, not hidden.
With around 140 beverage cartons per vehicle, the Grande Panda helps to utilise valuable waste materials. The „Lapolen Ecotek“ material used was developed by specialists Lapo Compound. In close cooperation with Fiat, a visually appealing, functional and industrially suitable recyclate was created - including the desired Fiat blue tone with an aluminium shimmer effect.
Customised recycling solution for the automotive industry
PolyAl is a previously underutilised recycling material that Tetra Pak is developing for new applications with partners such as Lapo Compound. PolyAl is a mixture of polymers and aluminium that is produced after the first stage of beverage carton recycling. Beverage cartons consist on average of 70 % carton, 25 % polymers and 5 % aluminium.
Unlike the cardboard portion of beverage cartons, which is already used for numerous paper products, PolyAl requires targeted development. Fiat is now the first manufacturer in the world to use the material as standard in visible components, according to reports.
According to the company, the material solution is not only attractive in terms of design, but also fulfils the quality and cost requirements of the automotive industry. It therefore contributes to the planned EU regulation on end-of-life vehicles, according to which at least 25 per cent of the plastic used must come from recycled sources.
Paving the way for other sectors
The potential extends beyond the automotive industry: Lapolen Ecotek is currently also being tested for outdoor furniture and industrial floor coverings.
Source: Tetra Pak
