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VW ID models: Sustainable materials inspired by the ID. Buzz

Additional recycled materials will find their way into the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7 in 2023. Following the example of the ID. Buzz, the group relies on reprocessed old materials from PET bottles. Each recycled material meets the same high quality and value criteria as new material.

Bottling in the bus: New yarn is made from old plastic bottles, which was used for the first time in mass production in the ID. Buzz and is now expected to further "green" the other ID models as well. | Photo: VW
Bottling in the bus: New yarn is made from old plastic bottles, which was used for the first time in mass production in the ID. Buzz and is now expected to further "green" the other ID models as well. | Photo: VW
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Johannes Reichel

The Volkswagen Group has announced its intention to make its all-electric ID. range even more sustainable. This year, the interiors of ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7 will be designed following the example of the ID. Buzz. For seat covers, VW uses, among other materials, Seaqual yarn, which is made from 10 percent collected marine litter and 90 percent recycled PES yarn. CO2 emissions in manufacturing are almost one-third lower than with conventional surface materials.

“By widely using recycled materials and leather-free interiors in our ID. models, we are further improving the ecological footprint of our vehicles – while maintaining high standards of quality and long-term durability. Feedback from our customers confirms that we should continue to expand these sustainable approaches in the future,” explains Silke Bagschik, Head of the E-Mobility series.

In the interior of the all-electric minibus, the Wolfsburg-based company uses alternative materials made from marine plastic and old PET bottles (specifically 63 pieces of 500 ml) in numerous places. One seat cover in the model family is made from Seaqual yarn, which is made from 10 percent collected marine litter and 90 percent recycled PES yarn. This saves 32 percent CO2 emissions during manufacturing compared to conventional surface materials. For seat covers with ArtVelours Eco, the recycling content is 71 percent.

In addition, the surfaces of the headliner and the floor carpet of the E-Bus are made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Recycled plastics are also used in the carpet's insulation layer. The same applies to components such as the underbody paneling and the wheel arch liners. Furthermore, Volkswagen no longer uses chrome for trim parts on the doors, the instrument panel, and the steering wheel clasp of the model, as its production is harmful to the environment. Instead, a liquid paint with a chrome look is used, whose binder is biobased.

Recycled materials as a full-fledged alternative

Recycled materials are reprocessed old materials that are reused in new products. For plastics, these include, for example, PET bottles or old fishing nets. These plastic wastes are processed into granulates and can then be used anew, the manufacturer outlines. Depending on requirements, components can consist partly or entirely of recycled materials. In the interior, the materials returned to the cycle must basically have the same properties as conventional ones, according to specifications. This concerns both their appearance and feel, as well as their durability and longevity.

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The recycling strategy is part of the corporation's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions per vehicle by 40 percent by 2030. By 2050 at the latest, the company aims to be climate-neutral in balance. To achieve these goals, Wolfsburg analyzes the entire life cycle of the vehicles, from basic research through development and production to recycling after the end of use. Closed material cycles for all raw materials used are aimed for.

Translated automatically from German.
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