Data Management of Vehicle Recycling and Design for the Environment 1999-01-0363

Vehicle recycling is a sensible way for automakers to achieve both internal and external economic and environmental goals. By using recycled materials in the manufacturing of new vehicles, they can reduce costs for both the consumer and themselves, as well as conserve valuable resources.

Data collection and management procedures have been developed and implemented at some corporations to meet the global market demands to increase the recycled content and recyclability of automobiles and to reduce the hazardous substance content in automobiles. Voluntary take-back legislation in Europe, as well as strict domestic and international labeling and reporting requirements for plastics and hazardous substances have prompted automotive manufacturers to aggressively evaluate (1) the regulated substances contained in their automobiles and (2) the recyclability of their automobiles. The industry is developing strategies to reduce the hazardous substance content of the vehicles and manufacturing processes to improve vehicle recyclability in a cost-effective manner.

Chrysler retained The Traverse Group to implement the Regulated Substance and Recylability Certification (RSRC) Data Collection and Reporting System for use by its plants and suppliers to identify and report relevant environmental, occupational health, disassembly and recyclability information necessary to improve the overall design, engineering, and manufacturing of their products.