End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) hold valuable materials like aluminium, yet many are lost due to illegal exports or unauthorised processing. These gaps in proper recycling undermine environmental goals and the circular economy. If all ELVs were correctly handled, Europe could recover up to 1 million tonnes more aluminium annually by 2025—highlighting the urgent need for stronger enforcement and improved recycling practices.

Aluminium closures—such as doors, hoods, and trunk lids—have become increasingly common in vehicles due to their lightweight and durable properties. As these vehicles reach end-of-life, they present a valuable opportunity for high-quality aluminium recovery. Made from premium 5xxx and 6xxx series alloys, these components could yield over 200,000 tonnes of recyclable aluminium annually by 2035 if targeted dismantling is implemented—supporting more sustainable and circular vehicle recycling.

As the automotive industry shifts toward higher-quality aluminium applications, the current practice of recovering mixed-alloy scrap from ELVs no longer meets market needs. European Aluminium proposes a sorting system that categorises ELV aluminium scrap into four distinct quality streams, ensuring economically viable fractions that support the production of high-grade aluminium products.