SXSW 2025 is buzzing with conversations about the future of mobility (Rivian is sponsoring the festival), but one topic that keeps surfacing—both on and off stage—is automotive recycling. As moderator of the panel, “Can the Auto Industry Pave the Way for Car Recycling?”, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with industry leaders about the innovations shaping how we think about vehicles once they reach end-of-life. Here are the big takeaways:
Automakers Are Designing for Circularity
Gone are the days when sustainability was an afterthought. Automakers (like Hyundai) are integrating design-for-recycling principles from the start. From modular components that are easier to disassemble to marking materials for quick identification, manufacturers are thinking ahead to ensure parts can be more easily recovered and reused.
Advanced Recycling is Unlocking New Potential
Historically, many automotive plastics have been difficult to recycle due to mixed materials and complex formulations. But as my fellow panelists shared, advanced recycling technologies can help recover and recycle more plastic. These innovations break plastics down to their molecular level, allowing them to be remanufactured into high-performance automotive parts—without compromising strength or safety.
Policy & Collaboration Will Be Key
While technology is advancing, stakeholders at South By stressed that policy and industry collaboration will be critical to scaling automotive recycling. And we must! Standardized recycling guidelines, investment in infrastructure, and partnerships between automakers, material suppliers, and recyclers will help create a more circular automotive value chain.
So, what’s next?
Advancing automotive recycling requires strong policy support, increased collaboration across the auto supply chain, and investments in recycling infrastructure and technology . Public policies that encourage recycling innovation, R&D and expanded collection systems will help build a reliable stream of recovered materials.
Automakers want to use more recycled plastic in vehicles. But first, we need to scale up the supply to meet global demand for recycled and circular auto plastic. That means working closely with policymakers, researchers, and the broader automotive ecosystem to expand access to recycling infrastructure and ensure valuable materials don’t go to waste. Once a steady supply of high-quality recycled plastics is available, automakers will be well-positioned to integrate even more into the next generation of vehicles.
The momentum is building, and the conversations at SXSW make one thing clear—collaboration will drive the future of automotive recycling.
Gina Oliver
