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Saturn Corporation has developed a system to recycle painted thermoplastic elastomer olefin (TEO) bumper fascia. Traditionally, automotive thermoset paints in combination with thermoplastic parts offered limited recycling potential. Saturn's goal was to develop and implement the most cost effective method for reclaiming painted fascia scrap. By evaluating polymer parts on current vehicles, the wheel liner was targeted as a potential application for the painted fascia regrinds. The painted TEO regrind is blended with a polypropylene copolymer and injection molded into wheel liners. In addition to serving as an outlet to recycle the painted fascia scrap generated during production, the wheel liner is a promising application for recycling painted fascias once the useful life of a Saturn vehicle is complete.

Saturn Corporation has studied various automotive applications for painted polycarbonate acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC+ABS) blend regrinds. Traditionally, automotive thermoset paints in combination with thermoplastic parts offer limited recycling potential. Saturn's goal was to evaluate various automotive applications and to identify areas for usage of painted PC+ABS recycled material. Polymer parts such as rocker cover supports, spare tire covers and wheel covers were molded from recycled material blends and tested per automotive specifications. In addition to serving as an outlet to reclaim the painted scrap generated during production, these applications can potentially be used to recycle painted PC+ABS parts once the useful life of a Saturn vehicle is complete.