IDAEA hosts the third PLASTIC conference, focusing on the automotive industry

The Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) recently held the third edition of the Plastics Pollution Conference (PLASTIC’2024). This year, the event focused on the impact of plastics in the automotive industry and gathered around 100 participants from the scientific community, public administration, and the private sector.

Held on October 15 and 16 at Barcelona’s Palau Macaya, the conference aimed to highlight the role of science in understanding, addressing, and contributing solutions to social and environmental challenges. It also explored innovative initiatives to reduce plastic pollution in the automotive industry, a key sector of society.

“Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” said Ethel Eljarrat, director of IDAEA and coordinator of PLASTIC.

The use of plastic in the automotive sector has significantly increased in recent years, now accounting for 15% of a vehicle’s total weight. With an estimated global production of 104 million cars next year, approximately 20 million tons of plastic will be generated. Promoting responsible use and facilitating recycling are, therefore, essential priorities.

 

One critical issue discussed was the shift from conventional to recycled, renewable, and sustainable materials in vehicles. Oriol Boada, SEAT’s Head of Environmental and Product Management, emphasized: “To achieve carbon neutrality, we must address the entire value chain, starting with the source of materials, which carry an associated carbon footprint. Circular economy principles apply to every stage, from eco-design to end-of-life products, including the production phase.” Boada outlined the company’s goal to use 40% circular materials by 2040.

Guillermo Ulldemolins, AIMPLAS’s Head of Sustainable Mobility and the Future, noted that reducing vehicle weight to lower emissions has driven the increased use of plastics in the sector. “This makes the use of recycled materials and the incorporation of biocomposites into production processes crucial,” he explained.

Other key aspects included waste reduction and material longevity. Pilar Chiva, Director of Circular Economy at the Catalan Waste Agency, highlighted the importance of the circular economy as a necessary production and consumption model. It focuses on eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature. “In Catalonia alone, approximately 100,000 tons of end-of-life vehicles and 35,000 tons of tires are generated annually. Ensuring circularity is vital,” she added. Chiva also stressed the extended producer responsibility (EPR) principle, which holds manufacturers accountable for managing their products’ waste. “EPR is a powerful concept that ultimately aims to influence product design.”

The conference also spotlighted tires, an essential vehicle component posing significant pollution challenges. Jorge Cajal, Corporate Communications Director at Continental Tires Spain, discussed innovations in tire materials, including recycled elements and new materials integrated into production. Román Martín, Institutional Relations Director at SIGNUS, highlighted preventive plans developed in collaboration with manufacturers to promote eco-design, reuse, and tire recycling, as well as awareness initiatives.

Ethel Eljarrat, leader of IDAEA’s ONHEALTH research group, delved into the chemical complexity of plastics and the environmental and health impacts of prolonged exposure and wear. “Chemical additives like plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardants, and UV filters can constitute up to 50% of a plastic’s weight,” she noted. Tire wear contributes to microplastic pollution, potentially accounting for 10–30% of marine microplastics.

The EU is expected to enforce stricter legislation on toxic compounds based on scientific evidence, which will inevitably lead to changes in the automotive sector.

The event concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by science journalist Mario Viciosa. It aimed to bridge gaps between public administration, scientific research, and the private sector. The discussion emphasized the importance of developing new materials with minimal environmental and human health impacts. However, challenges remain, as non-recycled materials are often more affordable for consumers.

 

On the afternoon of October 15 and the morning of October 16, sessions targeted the scientific community, presenting research on plastic-related issues across various domains. The second day’s keynote speech was delivered by Luis Cabedo, Professor of Materials Science at the Universitat Jaume I and Director of the UBE Chair of Sustainable Plastics, who discussed bioplastics and their environmental implications.