The European Union continues with its crusade of wanting to save the world without taking into account if the rest of the world pays attention. That is why it is not surprising that, instead of looking for the automotive industry to strengthen other alternatives, new regulations continue to be placed.
One of them is the future recycling regulation of vehicles, which has been working in the European Commission for a couple of years and that in the last one, in addition to cars and vans will also affect two and three -wheeled vehicles, including the motorcycles that until now were out, and also trucks and bus.
The fact is that this new regulation, even in the process of final approval, will force manufacturers to meet specific requirements regarding recycling, traceability and use of recycled materials. In addition, common rules will be established for the dismantling and treatment of motorcycles at the end of their useful life.
No one argues that good waste management is fundamental, but the new changes that are expected go further and affect not only vehicles at the end of their life, but would impose conditions.
Among the new measures, manufacturers must include at least 15 % of recycled plastics in new vehicles within six years. The objective rises to 20 % in eight years and 25 % in ten years. A measure that seeks to reduce the dependence of imported raw materials, and what they define how to promote a real circular economy.
All motorcycles must end in the scratch
In addition, motorcycles must be delivered in authorized drain centers, just like cars, thus guaranteeing adequate traceability of waste and a responsible treatment.
In countries like France, they had already advanced with the creation of the expanded responsibility of the producer (REP), which forces manufacturers to take over the management of the residue generated by their products. Now, this philosophy will apply to the entire European sphere.
There is still the passage of the European Parliament, which must adopt its position to negotiate with the Council, but everything indicates that the definitive approval will arrive soon, what remains to be known is, once approved, how everything is managed and how it affects the final price of the motorcycle.
And, also, taking into account the big problems that have been, for example, with the “tire cemeteries” despite paying a rate, if this will be repeated. Because one thing is regular and another thing is to make sure the rules comply with them all.
