Over the last decade, the automotive industry has focused much of its environmental efforts on reducing tail pipe emissions, the CO2 produced by petrol and diesel powertrains. This challenge has been met with a huge commitment to developing and producing vehicles powered by electric motors, fuelled by the latest battery systems. Notwithstanding issues of consumer concerns regarding charging infrastructure and range anxiety, hybrid and full electric vehicles sales have grown and the OEMs have committed evermore production resources to the manufacture of this new generation of vehicles. So far, so good, but perhaps a greater sustainability challenge faces the automotive industry; that of ensuring massively reduced carbon emissions across the entire manufacturing supply chain.

This edition of AMS looks at some of the key focus areas. Recycling and using recycled materials are not new to the automotive industry, but there are some new challenges, perhaps foremost of which is what to do with end-of-use EV batteries. Our feature on this highlights some of challenges not least being the costs involved and the continuous development of chemistries and materials. Similarly, recycled steel and aluminium have and continue to be an important resource to drive down waste. Another big area  of growth is in the use of recycled materials in vehicle interiors. Here, a lot of development has seen the range of ‘green’ materials available to designers, grow considerably.  

However, recycling and re-use of materials is just one part of the solution; the processes and energy used to produce the materials and components represent a big part of the overall CO2 output. Many OEMs and tier suppliers have invested heavily in sourcing renewable energy and we take a close look at the contribution solar energy is making. Process efficiency is also seeing a lot of development, especially as new vehicle powertrains and customer demands create a need for different approaches; some examples in this edition look at EV battery electrode production efficiency and reducing waste in paint application for two-tone schemes.

Perhaps some of the most ambitious carbon reduction plans have come from the steel makers. These material and energy hungry production processes present a particular challenge, but the strategies and technologies are in place and being implemented, and represent some big changes across whole steel making process. You can read and listen to more about the big challenges and solutions in sustainable production in this digital edition and on our website, including our first AMS Livestream Hour (watch here), featuring experts guests on green manufacturing strategies including from Scania and ArcelorMittal.

Editor Nick Holt nick.holt@ultimamedia.com

Deputy editor Gareth Price gareth.price@ultimamedia.com

Editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig christopher.ludwig@ultimamedia.com

Contributors Mark Dickin, Chuck Hagyard

Publisher and sales Andrew Fallon andrew.fallon@ultimamedia.com

Design director Matt Crane matt.crane@ultimamedia.com 

Senior designer Steven Singh Bains steven.bains@ultimamedia.com

Digital designer Hannah Lindsay hannah.lindsay@ultimamedia.com

Head of audience and marketing Chris Mott chris.mott@ultimamedia.com

Circulation and database Justyna Wanczyk justyna.wanczyk@ ultimamedia.com

Office manager and sales support Jo Fordrey jo.fordrey@ultimamedia.com

Head of finance Kanokkan Durrant kanokkan.durrant@ultimamedia.com

Managing director Gavin Miller gavin.miller@ultimamedia.com 

Editor Nick Holt nick.holt@ultimamedia.com

Contributors Illya Verpraet, Mike Farish, James Bakewell, Andrew Williams

Editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig christopher.ludwig@ultimamedia.com

Publisher and sales Andrew Fallon andrew.fallon@ultimamedia.com

Senior designer Steven Singh Bains steven.bains@ultimamedia.com

Digital designer Hannah Lindsay hannah.lindsay@ultimamedia.com

Circulation and database Justyna Wanczyk justyna.wanczyk@ ultimamedia.com

Head of finance Kanokkan Durrant kanokkan.durrant@ultimamedia.com

Managing director Gavin Miller gavin.miller@ultimamedia.com 

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