GREENING THE GARAGE

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ARE POISED TO LEAD SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS

The automotive industry is recognizing that, to adapt to consumer environmentalist trends, it must embark on more sustainable initiatives across all operations. If you are an auto recycler, that puts you in an excellent position.

One of the core values of sustainable claims, from an insurance adjuster or collision repair centres’ perspective, is prioritizing the repair of parts over the replacement of damaged units. Though, in plenty of cases, the repair of certain parts is simply not feasible. In these cases, recyclers offer an excellent alternative option for anyone seeking to reduce their environmental impact and emissions outputs.

Pair these trends with the rise of EVs and the opportunities end-of-life EV batteries present. These units house some of the most precious metals, as well as materials that can be reused time and time again, if they are processed properly. Hint—that’s where you come in. In mid-2024 Lithion Technologies opened its first commercial plant in Saint-Bruno, Quebec, which recycles lithium-ion batteries crucial for EVs and fosters a circular supply of materials—that’s merely the latest move as the industry prepares to handle EV batteries on a grander scale.

If you need more proof that a sustainable auto industry is the future: In July, the International Roundtable on Automotive Recycling (IRT) emphasized recyclers’ role in sustainability during a webinar on vehicle recycling. Tom Rumboll highlighted a 96 percent recycling rate at SYNETIQ, which utilizes a proprietary online auction platform for salvaged vehicles and parts. Sebastien Gravel, president of Gravel Auto Parts told Canadian Auto Recyclers magazine that “one of the most important aspects of being a recycler” is sustainability. “As recyclers, we have a duty to the environment, our customers and our employees.”

With this sense of duty—and the air of impending success!—in mind, peruse the products on the following pages to see how you can leverage current trends within your operations.