STUTTGART, Germany—Mercedes-Benz is using plastic made from used tires and agricultural waste to make components for new vehicles.

VÉNISSIEUX, France—Renault Trucks has opened a new Used Parts Factory here with a dedicated disassembly line for its heavy-duty vehicles sold in Europe.

Electrification isn’t the only paradigm shift transforming the automotive manufacturing landscape today. Sustainability is also forcing companies to rethink traditional production models. A new initiative involving some of the auto industry’s biggest players will affect the global supply chain.

HERNDON, VA—Volkswagen Group of America Inc. and Redwood Materials Inc. are collaborating to create a supply chain to recycle Volkswagen and Audi electric vehicle batteries in the United States.

KARLSRUHE, Germany—Chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste is both technically feasible and environmentally and financially promising, according to new research from Audi and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

For many manufacturing facilities, there is a steady task of handling wood pallet and crate trash following use.  The costs can be thousands of dollars monthly, just to dispose of the trash.  Wood trash build up is a safety hazard. Further and equally important for everyone to consider is the environmental impact of wood trash going into the landfill.