A critical review of the current state of circular economy in the automotive sector

Abstract

A circular economy (CE) offers, compared to a linear economy, various strategies to reduce consumption and demand of natural resources as well as additional secondary benefits that serve to achieve sustainability goals. However, the extent to which these goals can actually be achieved depends on the quality of the strategies used in terms of circularity. Against this background, this work examines the current understanding of the term circularity in the automotive sector. With the help of a literature review based on available publications in the period 2012–2021, a hitherto missing overview of circular strategies used in the automotive industry is given and compared with the political claims. Furthermore, current research activities are evaluated. The evaluation process is carried out by a classification into different cycle concepts, the so-called R-strategies, where avoidance and reuse are seen as the optimum. Existing R-strategy-concepts from literature were adapted and expanded. It becomes clear that both industry and research in majority equate the circularity of a product with (inferior) recyclability. High-quality CE strategies for reuse and further use as a substitute for new production, which already have to start in the product development phase, do not exist in the industry and are also strongly underrepresented in research activities. A large gap is revealed between the goals of a CE, which are accordingly on the political agenda of many states, and the implementation in industry. The aim of this review is to use the status quo for highlighting the need for action to promote higher-quality circular methods, which favour sustainable economy.