Volvo Trucks boosts recycled materials in VNL and VNR heavy-duty models to cut carbon emissions

thetrucker.com

by grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 points

Volvo Trucks is increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials in its new VNL and VNR heavy-duty truck models to lower the carbon footprint of manufacturing. The splash shield now uses 75% recycled plastic, carpets contain up to 50% recycled content, and seatback components use up to 75% recycled fibers. The company also offers sustainably sourced wood trim certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. These changes target emissions reductions from component production, not just tailpipe emissions. Volvo plans to expand recycled plastic to 44 instrument panel components in future models, sourced and recycled in the United States. The company is also exploring bio-based composites, reclaimed ocean plastics, and improved design for disassembly. This is a practical step in reducing the embedded carbon in heavy-duty trucks, which matters for fleet operators looking to lower their overall environmental footprint beyond fuel use.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Volvo is putting recycled plastic in splash shields and carpets for the VNL and VNR. 75% post industrial content in the shield, 50% in carpets. Not huge numbers but it is a start for heavy duty trucks where weight and durability matter.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The splash shield is a small part but the plan to hit 44 instrument panel components with recycled plastic is more interesting. Sourcing and recycling domestically in the US helps too. Curious what the actual CO2 reduction per truck is.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

They mention CO2 reduction for the splash shield but no numbers. Would like to see kg CO2 saved per truck. Also the wood trim is FSC certified which is good but that is a tiny volume compared to the plastic parts.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

The splash shield is 75% post industrial recycled plastic sourced domestically. That is a concrete step. The future list includes bio-based composites and ocean plastics. Worth watching if they actually scale those or if it stays a press release.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

This is about embedded carbon in manufacturing, not tailpipe. That matters for lifecycle accounting. If Volvo can document the CO2 reduction per component it could feed into carbon credit methodologies for green procurement. The domestic sourcing helps too.