INTRO
CIRCULAR ECONOMY CAN CONSERVE RESOURCES.
Conserving resources is one of our goals. Just like using raw materials as considerately, as often and as long as possible. Our goal is a circular economy. With respect for the world and good ideas for our sustainability.
Circular approach.
Our approach to car production is built upon 4 pillars – re:think, re:use, re:duce and re:cycle. It’s about extending the value of our products, using fewer resources and returning materials back into the production loop, rather than disposing of them.
Battery recycling.
90% of the materials in the high-voltage battery in an electrified vehicle from the BMW Group are recyclable.
Automotive Paints made from Biomass.
The paint shops in the European BMW Group owned plants use matt-finish paints that are not produced from crude oil, but instead from regenerative raw materials such as biological waste.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
DISCOVER THE POWER OF CIRCULARITY.
The responsible handling of resources plays a key role for the BMW Group.
RE:THINK – Creating with circularity in mind is everything we do.
RE:DUCE – Doing more with less wherever we can.
RE:USE – Extending the value of our products as much as we can.
RE:CYCLE – Keeping resources in the loop as long as we can.
THE BMW i VISION CIRCULAR.
RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE and RE:CYCLE. The BMW i Vision Circular is conceived fully in line with our principles of the circular economy. The compact, fully electric Vision vehicle with a focus on sustainability and luxury thus offers a fascinating look ahead into the future.
END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES.
It is also important to us to consider what happens to our cars when they reach the end of their life, doing all we can to recover valuable materials and place them back into the production cycle.
- UK regulations currently require that 95 per cent recovery and 85 per cent recycling targets, by average weight, must be met and require collection points to be made available offering free take-back of end-of-life vehicles. BMW partner with Autogreen Ltd to provide a Government-approved national network of certified dismantling companies to ensure this is done in a responsible way
- Easily detachable connections in our cars make it much easier to replace individual materials and components, creating the opportunity to reinvent a car again and again.
- For example, a new door trim or another component could be made out of the plastic from a used instrument panel from a vehicle at the end of its life.
If it’s time to recycle your BMW or MINI, you may qualify for our free take back scheme. Autogreen Ltd can advise whether your car qualifies and direct you to your nearest take back facility. If you wish to dispose of your car all you need to do is call 0800 542 2002 or visit www.rewardingrecycling.co.uk to arrange collection. Autogreen will recycle the vehicle for you, free of charge (terms and conditions apply).
BATTERY LIFE CYCLE
PHASES IN THE LIFE OF A BATTERY CELL.
Development.
In the Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre in Munich, the BMW Group is conducting research into the ideal chemical composition for the cells in a lithium-ion battery cell. This involves subjecting the constituent parts of cathode, anode, separator and electrolyte to a sophisticated development process.
Use in vehicle.
Some electric vehicles are able to achieve the same mileage as their combustion counterparts.
Second Life.
We use state-of-the-art lithium-ion high-performance batteries in our vehicles, which can be used for many years to come as stationary storage (in battery farms for example) before it enters the recycling process.
Recycling.
The raw materials of the battery cell can be reprocessed. In the Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre in Parsdorf ourside of Munich, the BMW Group is developing the recycling of secondary raw materials for the next generation of battery cells. This marks the end of the life cycle for the battery cell – and it can then start all over again.
BATTERIES.
All battery producers in the UK must be registered with the Environment Agency as part of an EU-wide initiative to increase battery collected and recycling, and reduce the risk of releasing hazardous substances into the environment. BMW Group UK Ltd is registered as a producer of batteries under registration number BPRN00557.
Under the 2009 Waste Batteries and Accumulators regulation, BMW vehicle owners can dispose of their waste automotive, portable and industrial batteries (from electric/hybrid vehicles free of charge).
VEHICLE BATTERIES.
To replace the battery of your vehicle, it can be returned to your BMW Retail Centre where a new battery is installed. The old battery will be recycled in accordance with regulations. Alternatively, it can be delivered to one of the following facilities or recycling, in accordance with their policy:
- Civic Amenity and Recycling Centres
- Local Authority Battery Collection Scheme
- Licensed End of Life Vehicle Authorised Treatment Facilities
- Licenses metal Recycling Sites
To find your nearest recycling facility visit www.recycle-more.co.uk
Any battery removal, storage and transportation must be managed by a qualified expert.
ELECTRIC OR PHEV VEHICLE BATTERIES.
From 1 January 2010, businesses that place hybrid/PHEV vehicle batteries onto the UK market have an obligation to arrange for the treatment and recycling of these batteries. If you need advice on how to action this, please contact your local BMW Centre.
Any battery removal, storage and transportation must be managed by a qualified expert.
PORTABLE BATTERIES.
BMW Group UK Ltd is a member of ERP UK Limited producer compliance scheme to ensure that the recycling targets of portable batteries are met. You are able to recycle your portable batteries at your nearest collection facility.
To find your nearest portable battery disposal facility please visit https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/batteries. To find out more about the benefits of battery recycling, please visit https://erp-recycling.org/uk/.