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.
60 kg of recycled plastics on average are integrated into a new BMW Group vehicle – this represents a proportion of up to 20%.
Battery recycling.
90% of the materials in the high-voltage battery in an electrified vehicle from the BMW Group are recyclable.
Waste processing.
99% of the waste generated from our worldwide internal production of 2.5 million vehicles per annum is, in the year 2021, either recycled as materials (93.4%) or undergoes further (e.g., thermal) processing (5.8%).
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
DISCOVER THE POWER OF CIRCULARITY.
The responsible handling of resources plays a key role for the BMW Group. In this process, we wish to continue using raw materials in line with our four principles of the circular economy:
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.
MORE SUSTAINABLE AUTOMOTIVE PAINTS MADE FROM BIOMASS.
The paint shops in the European BMW Group plants use matt-finish paints that are not produced from crude oil, but instead from regenerative raw materials such as biological waste. In addition, the BMW Group plants in Rosslyn and Leipzig also employ sustainably produced anti-corrosive coating. The CO2 reductions in a process certified by TÜV amount to more than 15,000 tonnes in the period 2022 to 2030.
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.
Today’s electric vehicles already achieve a range in excess of 600 km with one charge, and the trend is rising. Experience shows that electric vehicles are able to achieve the same mileage as their conventional counterparts without any need to exchange the high-voltage battery.
Second Life.
Following intensive use of the lithium-ion battery in the vehicle, it would be possible to continue deploying it 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, 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.
FAQ