WO2025190821A1

WO2025190821A1 - Recycling automotive shredder residue from selected vehicle types

Info

Publication number: WO2025190821A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/056356
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan STREGE; Bodo FREY; Timo Benjamin WITT
Original assignee: BASF SE
Current assignee: BASF SE
Priority date: 2024-03-13
Filing date: 2025-03-07
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-13

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix. It also relates to a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising a step e) of recycling of the automotive shredder residue at a recycling location, where the automotive shredder residue is obtainable by collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and optionally transporting the automotive shredder residue to the recycling location without mixing it with foreign shredder residue. It also relates to the automotive shredder residue comprising at least 50 wt% of shredded polymeric vehicle parts of vehicles of the selected vehicle type.

Description

Recycling automotive shredder residue from selected vehicle types

The present invention relates to a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix. It also relates to a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising a step e) of recycling of the automotive shredder residue at a recycling location, where the automotive shredder residue is obtainable by collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and optionally transporting the automotive shredder residue to the recycling location without mixing it with foreign shredder residue. It also relates to the automotive shredder residue comprising at least 50 wt% of shredded polymeric vehicle parts of vehicles of the selected vehicle type.

The recycling of automotive shredder residue (ASR) presents several challenges that hinder its efficient and effective recycling. ASR is usually a complex mixture of materials, including metals, plastics, rubber, glass, and various organic and inorganic compounds. The diverse composition makes it difficult to separate and recover individual components, leading to suboptimal recycling rates. Without proper separation, valuable resources remain trapped within the ASR, limiting their recycling. Addressing these problems is crucial to enhance the recycling of ASR and maximize its potential as a valuable resource. Developing effective methods and systems that can efficiently separate and recover the diverse components of ASR, while safely managing and disposing of hazardous substances, will play a vital role in promoting a sustainable and circular economy.

In recycling of ASR costs are important. For example, when the shredder load has a strongly varying composition, then the process parameters (like shaft spacing of multi shaft rotary shredder, or cutting disc form) cannot be optimized or preset to optimal process conditions, which may result in increased operating and energy costs. Another problem is the cleaning of shredder machines between different qualities of shredder inputs. For example single shaft hammer mills have often a lot of remaining debris after a specific shredder load has finished, and is time consuming to clean the hammer mill.

Similar, when the ASR composition has a strongly varying composition, then the process parameters of the recycling process cannot be optimized or preset to optimal process conditions for the ASR. On top, the resulting product quality after the recycling process will vary and result in inhomogeneous products.

Objects of the present invention was to overcome said problems. EP0692356 suggests to recycle automotive shredder residue by preparing a composite material comprising ASR and a virgin polymer.

Vijayan, S.K.; Kibria, M.A.; Uddin, M.H.; Bhattacharya, S. " Pretreatment of Automotive Shredder Residues, Their Chemical Characterisation, and Pyrolysis Kinetics." Sustainability 2021, 13, 10549 suggests to recycle automotive shredder residue by pyrolysis.

Ezzat El Halabi, Mike Third, and Matthew Doolan “Machine-based dismantling of end of life vehicles: A life cycle perspective" Procedia, 29 (2015) 651-655 suggest to recycle automotive shredder residue by machine based dismantling.

Juliana Argente Gaetano, Valdir Schalch, Javier Mazariegos Pablos “Characterization and recycling of the fine fraction of automotive shredder residue (ASR) for concrete paving blocks production' Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (2020) 22:835-847 suggest to recycle ASR by solidification with cement, gravel and sand for paving blocks production.

Won-Seok Yang et al. “Utilization of automobile shredder residue (ASR) as a reducing agent for the recovery of black copper" Korean J. Chem. Eng., 33(4), 1267-1277 (2016) suggests to recycle ASR by using it instead of lump coal as a reducing agent in the copper production.

The objects were achieved by a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of a) collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; b) identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and c) shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix.

The object was also achieved by a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising a step e) of recycling of the automotive shredder residue at a recycling location, where the automotive shredder residue is obtainable by a) collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; b) identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and c) shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and optionally d) transporting the automotive shredder residue to the recycling location without mixing it with foreign shredder residue. The object was also achieved by the automotive shredder residue comprising at least 50 wt% of shredded polymeric vehicle parts of vehicles of the selected vehicle type.

The step a) comprises collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site.

The vehicles are typically end-of-life vehicles (also called "ELV"), which are typically at least 15 years old. The vehicles can be passenger cars, light-duty or heavy-duty trucks, motorbikes, a utility vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, or recreational vehicles. The vehicle can be an electric vehicle, such as a fully electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

A suitable vehicle type can be a vehicle brand (e.g. Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, Tesla, Porsche, Mazda, BYD, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi), a multiple of vehicle brands owned by the same car manufacturer (e.g. Porsche, Seat, Skoda, and Audi, which are brands owned by Volkswagen AG; Lexus, Daihatsu, Scion and Hino Motors, which are brands owned by Toyota), a vehicle model of the vehicle brand (e.g. Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, Tesla Model Y, Mitshubishi Colt, BYD Dolphi), a model year of the vehicle model (e.g. Volkswagen Golf V 2003-2008, Toyota Corolla 1983-1987, Mitshubishi Colt Z30, 2004-2012), an engine type of the vehicle model (Volkswagen Golf Diesel engine).

Preferably, the vehicle type is the vehicle brand or the multiple of vehicle brands owned by the same car manufacturer.

A suitable collection site can be the site of a vehicle recycling company.

The collecting of the vehicles may be made by owner who bring their ELV to the collection site, or by ELV collecting companies, which transport ELV to the collecting site.

The step b) comprises identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts.

A suitable selected vehicle type can be selected from the above mentioned vehicle types. Suitable selected vehicle types are a vehicle brand, a multiple of vehicle brands owned by the same car manufacturer, a vehicle model of the vehicle brand, a model year of the vehicle model, or an engine type of the vehicle model.

Preferably, the selected vehicle type is the vehicle brand or the multiple of vehicle brands owned by the same car manufacturer.

The identifying of the selected vehicle types can be made at the collection site.

The identifying of the selected vehicle types visually by humans, or by automated computer system, which may identify the selected vehicle types based on optical system. The selected vehicles which were identified can be marked, e.g. with a sticker, an attached paper, a symbol sprayed on the selected vehicle with a color spray.

The step c) comprises shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix.

The automotive shredder residue may be obtainable, preferably is obtained, by shredding the vehicles. Preferably, the automotive shredder residue is obtainable by depollution of the vehicles, dismantling the vehicles, shredding the vehicles, and separating metal particles from the shredded vehicles.

In depollution of vehicles hazardous liquids such as fuel, lubricating oil, coolants, brake fluids and batteries can be removed from the vehicles prior to shredding.

The dismantling of vehicles may comprise selective removal of parts, such as engines, gearboxes, tires, glass, and plastics, for being reused as spare parts for the second-hand market. The dismantling may also comprise the removal of larger plastic components, such as bumpers, dashboard, fluid containers for recycling the plastics separately.

The ASR may comprise further waste from other sources. For examples, garbage from the last owners may remain in the trunk or interior of the vehicles.

The shredder load contains at least 50 wt%, preferably at least 80 wt%, and in particular at least 95 wt% of the selected vehicles. In another form the shredder load contains at least 60 wt%, preferably at least 85 wt%, and in particular at least 99 wt% of the selected vehicles. The shredder load is typically the load which is shredded by a vehicle shredder machine. During a working day one or different shredder loads can be processed by the vehicle shredder machine.

Usually, the interior of the vehicle shredder machine is cleaned prior to shredding the selected vehicle type. Usually, the interior of the vehicle shredder machine is cleaned prior to starting a new shredder lead and shredding the selected vehicle type.

The shredding can be made with a vehicle shredder machine. Vehicle shredder machines are manufactured in different sizes. Typically, a vehicle shredder machine comprises a heavy fast-turning rotor, which may revolve in a vertical or a horizontal plane and is often equipped with swinging hammers. The vehicle shredder machine tears and shreds the car hulk until its parts are reduced to fragments. Then the fragments may pass through grids and leave the rotor housing.

The vehicle shredder machine can be a one, two, three, four, five, or six shaft shredder with rotating cutting shafts.

A single Shaft Shredder can be equipped with one shaft welded with rotary blades, and may have a hydraulic-driven pusher arm and a screen underneath the rotating shaft. A material is usually fed into a hopper, and a hydraulic-driven plate/arm pushes it towards the cutting shaft for efficient shredding, and the shredded fragments pass through a screen as output.

The vehicle shredder machine can be a two shaft shredder with two rotating cutting shafts and bottom discharge Preferably, the vehicle shredder machine can be a two shaft shredder with two rotating cutting shafts and bottom discharge without grid. The two shafts of rotating cutting blades may hook the material and break it down into pieces without the need for a pusher arm or screen. The shredded fragments may be directly discharged on the bottom.

Usually, the shredding is made in a vehicle shredder machine with a low retention volume. The retention volume can be below 7 m³, preferably below 3 m³, and in particular below 1 m³.

Typically, the attention volume is the volume of the rotating shredder blades.

The metal fragments such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments can be separated from the shredded vehicles. The ferrous metal fragments can be removed by magnetic separators. The non-ferrous metal fragments can be separated from the shredded vehicles by eddy current separators, by heavy media sink/float units which separate on the basis of density, or by manual sorting. Typically, 60 - 90 wt% of the vehicle weight is metal, which can be separated from the shredded vehicle.

The automotive shredder residue may represent about 10 - 40 wt%, preferably from 15 - 35, and in particular from 20 - 30 wt% of the original vehicle weight. The automotive shredder residue may comprise fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts, such as fragments of bumpers, interior panels, dashboard, cable insulation, fuel tank, electrical insulation, flexible foam seating, foam insulation panels, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, car body parts, pillar coverings, spoilers polymer parts coated with automotive paint, wheel covers, gears, bushes, cams, bearings, weatherproof coatings, interior and exterior trims, fuel systems, gear housings, headlamp retainer, engine cover, connector housings, door handles, carburetor components, exterior mirror components, windscreen wiper components, windscreen wiper protective housings, decorative grilles, cover strips, roof rails, window frames, sliding roof frames, antenna cladding covers, front and rear lights, radiator grill and body exterior parts, engine covers, cylinder head covers, intake pipes, cylinder head covers, engine covers, housings for charge air coolers, charge air cooler valves.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts, such as fragments of

- bumpers, interior panels, dashboard, cable insulation, where these fragments are often made of polypropylene;

- fuel tank, electrical insulation, where these fragments are often made of polyethylene;

- flexible foam seating, foam insulation panels, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, hard plastic parts, transmission mounts, motor mounts, seals, impact foam parts, where these fragments are often made of polyurethane;

- body parts, dashboards, wheel covers, where these fragments are often made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-sty rene;

- gears, bushes, cams, bearings, charge air coolers, cylinder head covers, oil pans, engine cooling systems, thermostat and heater housings, exhaust systems including mufflers and housings for catalytic converters, air intake manifolds, timing chain belt front covers, where these fragments are often made of nylon 6 or nylon 6.6;

- interior and exterior trims, fuel systems, small gears, where these fragments are often made of polyoxymethylene;

- wiper arm and gear housings, headlamp retainer, connector housings, where these fragments are often made of polyethylene terephthalate; and

- door handles, bumpers, carburetor components, where these fragments are often made of polybutylene terephthalate.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise at least 30 wt%, preferably at least 40 wt%, and in particular at least 50 wt% of the fragments of the polymeric vehicle parts.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 30 wt%, and in particular at least 40 wt% of the fragments of the polymeric vehicle parts, which are black polymeric vehicle parts. The black polymeric vehicle parts usually comprise carbon black pigments.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, and in particular up to 5 wt% of metal fragments, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles. The automotive shredder residue may comprise up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, and in particular up to 5 wt% of wood and cardboard.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, and in particular up to 5 wt% of glass fragments, e.g. broken window glass fragments.

The automotive shredder residue can be separated into a shredder light fraction (also called SLF) and a shredder heavy fraction (also called SHF). The separation of the SLF and the SHF can be achieved by air classification. Another air classification can be made by the rotary movement of the vehicle shredder machine may create a fanning action that can blow out the shredder light fraction, and the shredder heavy fraction may leave the vehicle shredder machine through a grid.

The SLF can be present in an amount of 55 - 90 wt%, preferably 65 - 85 wt%, and in particular at 70 - 80 wt% of the automotive shredder residue. The SHF may represent the remaining amount to 100 wt%.

The SHF can be present in an amount of 10 - 45 wt%, preferably 15 - 35 wt%, and in particular at 20 - 30 wt% of the automotive shredder residue. The SLF may represent the remaining amount to 100 wt%.

The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of rubber particles than the SHF.

The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of glass particles than the SHF.

The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of metal particles than the SHF.

The SLF usually contains a higher weight percentage of polyurethane foam particles than the SHF.

The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of solid and sand than the SHF.

The shredding of the vehicle comprising the polymeric vehicle parts produces the automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix. The plastic fragment mix usually comprises the fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts.

The plastic fragment mix may comprise the target plastic fragments and further fragments. The further fragments may be the fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts, the metal fragments, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles, the wood and cardboard, or the glass fragments. The plastic fragment mix may comprise at least 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 wt% of the target plastic fragments. The plastic fragment mix may comprise up to 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 wt% of the further fragments.

After the step c) of shredding the vehicle load further steps can be made, such as

- the metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) can be separated; - the automotive shredder residue can be separated into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction; and/or

- the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and/or the shredder heavy fraction, can be subjected to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.

In case the automotive shredder residue is separated into the shredder light fraction and the shredder heavy fraction, then any subsequent steps can be made instead of the automotive shredder residue with either the shredder light fraction, or the shredder heavy fraction or both the SLF and the SHF.

Preferably, after the step c) and before optional step d) or optional step e) at least one further step is made selected from

- separating metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) from the ASR, the SLF, and/or the SHF; and/or

- separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction (SLF) and a shredder heavy fraction (SHF).

- subjecting the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and/or the shredder heavy fraction, to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.

- separating metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) from the ASR, the SLF, and/or the SHF;

- separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction (SLF) and a shredder heavy fraction (SHF); and/or

In a preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step c) the step of ca) separating the metal fragments from the automotive shredder residue.

In another preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step c) the steps of cb) separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction. In another preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step c) the steps of ca) separating the metal fragments from the automotive shredder residue, and cb) separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction.

The steps ca) and ab) can be made in any order, or in parallel, or repeatedly.

In a preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step a) and before optional step d) or optional step e) the step of cc) subjecting the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and/or the shredder heavy fraction, to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.

The aqueous pretreatment can be selected from washing, such as washing the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and/or the shredder heavy fraction, with water, which optionally comprises washing additives, such as surfactants or bases. Suitable surfactants are anionic, neutral or cationic surfactants. Suitable bases are inorganic bases (e.g. sodium hydroxide) or organic bases. The washing can be achieved by spraying the water on the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and/or the shredder heavy fraction.

The aqueous pretreatment can be selected from aqueous density separation, such as in a hydrocyclone or via heavy media separation.

The method may comprise a drying step, e g. the aqueous pretreatment may be followed by a drying step, such as drying the wet automotive shredder residue, the wet shredder light fraction and/or the wet shredder heavy fraction. Suitable drying steps are blowing air, which may have ambient or elevated temperature.

The method comprises a drying step to obtain a transport fraction with a water content of less than 10 wt%, preferably less than 6 wt% and in particular less than 3 wt%.

The drying step can be drying the automotive shredder residue, drying the transport fraction, or both.

The method may comprise a separating coarse shredder fragments from the automotive shredder residue to obtain a transport fraction containing at least 99 wt% shredder fragments with a fragment size below 12 cm.

The coarse shredder fragments have usually a maximum size of at least 25 cm, preferably at least 18 cm, and in particular at least 12 cm. The maximum size can be measured at the longest dimension of the coarse shredder fragment. The coarse shredder fragments are usually obtained when shredding the vehicle. The separated coarse shredder fragments can be shredded again, e.g. with when shredding the vehicle, or in a separate shredder.

The separating of the coarse shredder fragments from the automotive shredder residue can be made by sieving or optical sorting. The sieving can be made with flat screens or trommel screens, where the coarse shredder fragments exit the trommel screen. The sieving conditions can be adapted to the desired purity, e.g. by the screen aperture or the trommel velocity, or the trommel gradient.

The method may comprise a step of separating shredder dust from the automotive shredder residue to obtain a transport fraction containing less than 20 wt%, preferably less than 10 wt% and in particular less than 3 wt% shredder dust. The transport fraction may contain less than 20 wt%, preferably less than 10 wt% and in particular less than 3 wt% shredder dust.

The separating of the shredder dust can be made by sieving, e.g. with flat screens or trommel screens, where the shredder dust exits the trommel through the apertures. The sieving conditions can be adapted to the desired purity, e.g. by the screen aperture or the trommel velocity, or the trommel gradient.

In a preferred form a two stage trommel screen is used, where in the first trommel (e.g. with aperture of 0.5 - 2 cm) the shredder dust is separated, and in a second trommel (e.g. with aperture of 10 - 20 cm) the coarse shredder fragments are separated.

The shredder dust has usually a granule size of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, and in particular less than 1 mm, e.g. when measured in the longest dimension of the shredder dust.

The metal fragments such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments can be separated from the automotive shredder residue and/or the transport fraction. The ferrous metal fragments can be removed by magnetic separators. The non-ferrous metal fragments can be separated from the shredded vehicles by eddy current separators, by heavy media sink/float units which separate on the basis of density, or by manual sorting.

The transport fraction may comprise less than 5 wt% of metal fragments, preferably less than 3 wt% and in particular less than 1 wt%.

The separating of the cables, wires and ropes from the automotive shredder residue and/or the transport fraction can be made by optical sorting. The optical sorting can be made with the optical sorter which uses visible light to detect the cables, wires and ropes. Suitable optical sorters are described above. The optical sorters may recognize the length of cables, wires and ropes. The automotive shredder residue may comprise less than 0.1 wt%, preferably less than 0.05 wt%, and in particular less than 0.001 wt% of cables, wires and ropes with a length above 12 cm. The transport fraction comprises less than 0.1 wt%, preferably less than 0.05 wt%, and in particular less than 0.001 wt% of cables, wires and ropes with a length above 10 cm. The transport fraction comprises less than 0.1 wt%, preferably less than 0.05 wt%, and in particular less than 0.001 wt% of cables, wires and ropes with a length above 6 cm.

The polyurethane foam fragments can be removed from automotive shredder residue and/or the transport fraction by suction. Usually, vacuum powered machines can be used for suction. Suitable polyurethane foam fragments are usually a maximum size below 12 cm, preferably below 6 cm, and in particular below 2 cm.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise polyurethane foam fragments in an amount of up to 1 wt%, preferably up to 0.3 wt%, and in particular up to 0.05 wt%,

The method for recycling the automotive shredder residue may further comprise the step d) comprises transporting the automotive shredder residue to a recycling location without mixing it with another automotive shredder residue.

The transporting can be done by railway, e.g. when the bottom discharge container is a railway hopper wagon, or on the road, when the bottom discharge container is a hopper truck, or by ship The transporting usually covers a distance of at least 10 km, preferably at least 50 km, and in particular at least 200 km.

The recycling location can be a location where the step of recycling of the automotive shredder residue is made, e.g recycling plant.

The automotive shredder residue obtained from step c) can be transported to the recycling location without mixing it with foreign shredder residue. The foreign shredder residue is usually a shredder residue not obtained from the step c). The foreign foreign shredder residue is usually obtained by shredding a shredder load which contains less than 50 wt%, preferably less than 80 wt%, and in particular less than 95 wt% of the selected vehicles. The transportation without mixing the automotive shredder residue with foreign shredder residue allows that the composition of the automotive shredder residue remains substantially the same, e.g. at least 99 wt% remain of the composition remain the same.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise at least 80 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt%, and in particular at least 95 wt% of target plastic fragments which are made of a targeted plastic type selected from polyolefin, polyamide, a polyurethane, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polyoxymethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, a polymethylmethacrylate, a polystyrene, or a mixture thereof.

The target plastic fragment can be made of any targeted plastic type or mixtures thereof. Usually, the targeted plastic type is a plastic type which is present in the polymeric vehicle parts.

Suitable targeted plastic types are polyolefin (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), polyamide (such as nylon 6 or nylon 6.6), halogen-containing polymers (such as polyvinyl chloride), a polyurethane (such as a non-foam polyurethane), an acryloni trile-butadiene-styrene, a polyoxymethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.

Preferably, the target plastic fragment is made of a polyamide, a polyolefin, or a mixture thereof.

In another preferred form the target plastic fragment is made of polyamide 6, polyamide 6.6, or a mixture thereof. In another preferred form the target plastic fragment is made of a polyolefin, such as polypropylene and polyethylene or a mixture thereof. In another preferred form the target plastic fragment is made of a polyvinyl chloride.

Suitable polyamides comprise a thermoplastic polyamide. Preference is given to semicrystalline or amorphous polyamides with a molecular weight (weight average) of at least 5000 g/mol as determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Preferred are aliphatic and semi-aromatic polyamides.

Examples of polyamides are polyamides that derive from lactams having from 7 to 13 ring members, e.g. polycaprolactam, polycaprylactam, and polylaurolactam, and also polyamides obtained via reaction of dicarboxylic acids with diamines.

The polyamide plastic parts may comprise glass fibers. The polyamide plastic parts may comprise up to 60 wt%, preferably up to 50 wt%, and in particular up to 40 wt% of the glass fibers, such as 20 to 40 wt%.

Suitable polyolefins are:

1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene, poly-4- methylpent-1-ene, polyvinylcyclohexane, polyisoprene or poly-butadiene, polyhexene, polyoctene, as well as polymers of cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cyclooctene or norbornene, polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), for example high density polyethylene (HDPE), high density and high molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-UHMW), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), and ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE).

Polyolefins, i.e. the polymers of monoolefins exemplified in the preceding paragraph, preferably polyethylene and polypropylene, can be prepared by different, and especially by the following, methods: a) radical polymerisation (normally under high pressure and at elevated temperature). b) catalytic polymerisation using a catalyst that normally contains one or more than one metal of groups IVb, Vb, Vib or VIII of the Periodic Table. These metals usually have one or more than one ligand, typically oxides, halides, alcoholates, esters, ethers, amines, alkyls, alkenyls and/or aryls that may be either D- or D-coordinated. These metal complexes may be in the free form or fixed on substrates, typically on activated magnesium chloride, titanium(lll) chloride, alumina or silicon oxide. These catalysts may be soluble or insoluble in the polymerisation medium. The catalysts can be used by themselves in the polymerisation or further activators may be used, typically metal alkyls, metal hydrides, metal alkyl halides, metal alkyl oxides or metal alkyloxanes, said metals being elements of groups la, Ila and/or Illa of the Periodic Table. The activators may be modified conveniently with further ester, ether, amine or silyl ether groups. These catalyst systems are usually termed Phillips, Standard Oil Indiana, Ziegler (-Natta), TNZ (DuPont), metallocene or single-site catalysts (SSC).

2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1 ., for example mixtures of polypropylene with polyisobutylene, polypropylene with polyethylene (for example PP/HDPE, PP/LDPE) and mixtures of different types of polyethylene (for example LDPE/HDPE).

3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other or with other vinyl monomers, for example ethy lene/propy I ene copolymers, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures thereof with low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene, propylene/but-1-ene copolymers, propylene/isobutylene copolymers, ethylene/but-1-ene copolymers, ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene copolymers, ethylene/heptane copolymers, ethylene/octene copolymers, ethylene/vinylcyclohexane copolymers, ethylene/cycloolefin copolymers (e g. ethylene/norbornene like COC), ethy lene/1 -olefins copolymers, where the 1- olefin is generated in-situ; propylene/butadiene copolymers, isobutylene/isoprene copolymers, ethylene/vinylcyclohexene copolymers, ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and their salts (ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidene-norbornene; and mixtures of such copolymers with one another and with polymers mentioned in 1) above, for example polypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers, LDPE/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), LDPE/ethylene- acrylic acid copolymers (EAA), LLDPE/EVA, LLDPE/EAA and alternating or random polyalkylene/carbon monoxide copolymers and mixtures thereof with other polymers, for example polyamides.

Preferably, the polyolefins are polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene and polyethylene.

The method for recycling the automotive shredder residue may further comprise a step e) of recycling of the automotive shredder residue at the recycling location.

The recycling of the automotive shredder residue can be made by pyrolysis, depolymerization or gasification. The recycling of the automotive shredder residue may comprise a pyrolysis of the target plastic fragments, such as of target plastic fragments made of polyolefins.

The recycling of the automotive shredder residue may comprise a depolymerization of the target plastic fragments, such as of target plastic fragments made of polyamide.

The recycling of the automotive shredder residue may comprise a depolymerization of the target plastic fragments, such as of target plastic fragments made of polyurethane.

The depolymerization of polyamide or polyurethane is usually a process of breaking down the long chains of polymer molecules into smaller units through a chemical reaction, e.g. by the use of heat, chemicals, or enzymes to cleave the chemical bonds between the individual monomers that make up the polymer. The resulting smaller molecules or monomers can then be purified and reused for the production of new polyamide or polyurethane products.

The pyrolysis is usually a process used in polymer recycling that involves heating the polymer waste in the absence of oxygen to break it down into smaller molecules. This thermal degradation process is typically carried out at high temperatures, e.g. ranging from 300 to 900 degrees Celsius. During pyrolysis, the polymer often undergoes a series of chemical reactions, such as cracking, and fragmentation, resulting in the formation of gases, liquids, and solid residues. These products can then be further refined and used as feedstock for the production of new polymers, fuels, or other value-added chemicals.

The gasification is often a process used in polymer recycling that converts polymers into a gaseous state by reacting them with a controlled amount of oxygen or steam at high temperatures This thermochemical conversion process occurs usually in a gasifier, where the polymer waste is subjected to intense heat, typically above 700 degrees Celsius. The heat may cause the polymer to break down into its constituent elements, primarily carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, resulting in the formation of a mixture of gases known as syngas, which can be further processed and utilized for various applications, e.g. as a fuel for power generation, or it can be refined to produce valuable chemicals and fuels.

The invention also relates to a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the step e) of recycling of the automotive shredder residue at the recycling location, where the automotive shredder residue is obtainable by e) collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; f) identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and g) shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and optionally h) transporting the automotive shredder residue to the recycling location without mixing it with foreign shredder residue.

In another form the method comprises the step:

- converting the automotive shredder residue obtainable by or obtained by the method according to the invention or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the method according to the invention to obtain a product PRF1.

The product PRF1 may be selected from:

I) building block or monomer; or ii) polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A, or polymer product, preferably polymer product A; or ill) industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound, industrial use biocide, industrial use solvent, industrial use dispersant, composition thereof or formulation thereof; or iv) agrochemical composition, agrochemical formulation auxiliary or agrochemically active ingredient; or v) active pharmaceutical ingredient or intermediate thereof, pharmaceutical excipient, animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplements, aroma chemical or aroma composition; or vi) aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably polyurethane or polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersion, emulsion, binder for paper and fiber coatings, UV-curable acrylic polymer for hot melts and coatings polyisocyanates, hyperbranched polyester polyol, polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, unsaturated polyester polyol or 100% curable composition; or vii) cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or composition or formulation thereof; or viii) polymer B, polymer composition B, coating composition, other functional composition, foil, molded body, coating or coated substrate.

The content of the target plastic fragments in the product PRF 1 can be 1 weight-% or more, preferably 2 weight-% or more, more preferably 5 weight-% or more, more preferably 15 weight-% or more, more preferably 30 weight-% or more, more preferably 40 weight-% or more, more preferably 60 weight-% or more, more preferably 80 weight-% or more, more preferably 90 weight-% or more, more preferably 95 weight-% or more; and/or the content of the target plastic fragments in the product PRF1 can be 100 weight-% or less, preferably 95 weight-% or less, more preferably 90 weight-% or less, more preferably 50 weight-% or less, more preferably 25 weight-% or less, more preferably 10 weight-% or less; and preferably wherein the content is determined based on identity preservation and/or segregation and/or mass balance and/or book and claim chain of custody models, preferably based on mass balance, preferably the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.

The publication Prior Art Disclosure; Issue 684; paragraphs [1000] to [8005]; ISSN: 2198-4786; published: February 12, 2024 will be regarded as Reference RF1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the product PRF1 is a product as described in Reference RF1 ; paragraphs [1000] to [8005], Preferably, the method described herein is further a method for the production of a product, preferably product PRF1 .

The converting step to obtain the product PRF1 preferably comprises one or more step(s) as described below and can be performed by conventional methods well known to a person skilled in the art. The converting step preferably comprises one or more step(s) selected from: recycling, preferably depolymerizing, gasifying, pyrolyzing, and/or steam cracking; and/or purifying, preferably crystallizing, (solvent) extracting, distilling, evaporating, hydrotreating, absorbing, adsorbing and/or subjecting to ion exchanger; and/or assembling, preferably foaming, synthesizing, chemical conversion, chemically transforming, polymerizing and/or compounding; and/or forming, preferably foaming, extruding and/or molding; and/or finishing, preferably coating and/or smoothing.

In addition, the one or more step(s) are described in detail in Reference RF1 ; paragraphs [1000] to [8005],

The term “building block”, as used herein, comprises compounds, which are in a gaseous or liquid state under standard conditions of 0°C and 0.1 MPa. Building blocks are typically used in chemical industry to form secondary products, which provide a higher structural complexity and/or higher molecular weight than the building block on which the secondary product is based. The building block is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycols, syngas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds. The alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds comprise in particular 1 to 12 carbon atoms, respectively.

The term “monomer", as used herein, comprises molecules, which can react with each other to form polymer chains by polymerization. The monomer is preferably selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, salts of (meth)acrylic acid; in particular sodium, potassium and zinc salts; (meth)acrolein and (meth)acrylates. (Meth)acrylates comprising 1 to 22 carbon atoms are preferred, in particular comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The terms (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylate relate to acrylic acid, acrolein or acrylate and also to methacrylic acid, methacrolein or methacrylate, where applicable. Further, the monomer can be selected from hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid. The building block can further be an intermediate compound. The term “intermediate compound", as used herein, comprises organic reagents, which are applied for formation of compounds with higher molecular complexity. The intermediate compound can be selected for example from the group consisting of phosgene, polyisocyanates and propylene oxide. The polyisocyanates are in particular aromatic di- and polyisocyanates, preferably toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and/or diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI).

The building block and the monomer and typical converting step(s) to obtain the building block or monomer are described in more detail in paragraphs [1000] to [1012] of Reference RF1.

The term “polymer A”, as used herein, comprises thermoplastic, e.g., polyamide or thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoset, e.g., polyurethane, elastomer, e.g., polybutadiene, or a copolymer or a mixture thereof and is defined in more detail in paragraphs [2001] to [2007] of Reference RF1.

The term “polymer composition A”, as used herein, comprises all compositions comprising a polymer as described above and one or more additive(s), e.g. reinforcement, colorant, modifier and/or flame retardant, and is defined in more detail in paragraph [2008] of Reference RF1.

The term “polymer product A”, as used herein, comprises any product comprising the polymer A and/or polymer composition A as described above and is defined in more detail in paragraphs [2009] and [2010] of Reference RF1 . The step(s) to obtain the polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A or polymer product, preferably polymer product A is/are described in more detail in paragraph [2011] of Reference RF1.

The term “industrial use polymer”, as used herein, comprises rheology, polycarboxylate, alkoxylated polyalkylenamine, alkoxylated polyalkylenimine, polyether-based, dye inhibition and soil release cleaning polymers defined in more detail in paragraphs [3035] to [3044] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use surfactant', as used herein, comprises non-ionic, anionic and amphoteric industrial use surfactants defined in more detail in paragraphs [3008] to [3034] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use descaling compound”, as used herein, comprises nonphosphate based builders (NPB) and phosphonates (CoP) described in more detail in paragraphs [3001] to [3005] of Reference RF1 . The term “industrial use biocide”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth or reproduction defined in more detail in paragraphs [3006] to [3007] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use solvent”, as used herein, comprises alkyl amides, alkyl lactamides, alkyl esters, lactate esters, alkyl diester, cyclic alkyl diester, cyclic carbonates, aromatic aldehydes and aromatic esters defined in more detail in paragraphs [3045] to [3055] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use dispersant”, as used herein, comprises anionic and non-ionic industrial use dispersants defined in more detail in paragraphs [3056] to [3058] of Reference RF1 . The term “composition and/or formulation thereof' with reference to the industrial use polymers, industrial use surfactants, descaling compounds and/or industrial use biocides refers to industrial use compositions and/or institutional use products and/or fabric and home care products and/or personal care products defined in more detail in paragraph [3059] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound and/or industrial use biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph [3060] of Reference RF1 The converting steps to obtain the industrial use composition or formulation of the industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound and/or industrial use biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph [3061] of Reference RF1.

The term "agrochemical composition", as used herein, typically relates to a composition comprising an agrochemically active ingredient and at least one agrochemical formulation auxiliary. Examples of agrochemical compositions, active ingredients and auxiliaries are described in more detail in Reference RF1 , paragraph [4001],

The agrochemical composition may take the form of any customary formulation. The agrochemical compositions are prepared in a known manner, e.g. described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001 ; or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005. The converting step(s) to obtain the agrochemically active ingredients and auxiliaries may be conducted in analogy to the production step(s) of their analogues that are based on petrochemicals or other precursors that are not gained by recycling processes. In addition, conversion to compounds mentioned in sections “Polymer” and “Cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or compositions or formulations thereof” may be performed as described in these sections as well as the respective paragraphs in Reference RF1.

The term active pharmaceutical ingredients and/or intermediates thereof, as used herein, comprises substances that provide pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or to affect the structure or any function of the body. Intermediates thereof are isolated products that are generated during a multi-step route of synthesis of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The term pharmaceutical excipients, as used herein, comprises compounds or compound mixtures used in compositions for various pharmaceutical applications, which are not substantially pharmaceutically active on itself. Active pharmaceutical ingredients and/or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients are defined in more detail in paragraph [5001] of Reference RF1.

The converting step(s) to obtain the active pharmaceutical ingredients and/or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.

The terms animal feed additives, human food additives, dietary supplements, as used herein, comprises Vitamins, Pro-Vitamins and active metabolites thereof including intermediates and precursors, especially Vitamin A, B, E, D, K and esters thereof, like acetate, propionate, palmitate esters or alcohols thereof like retinol or salts thereof and any combinations thereof; Tetraterpenes, especially isoprenoids like carotenoids and xanthophylls including their intermediates and precursors as well as mixtures and derivates thereof, especially beta carotene, Canthaxanthin, Citranaxanthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Lycopene, Apo-carotenoids, and any combinations thereof; organic acids, especially formic acid, propionic acid and salts thereof, such as sodium, calcium or ammonium salts, and any combinations thereof, such as but not limited to mixtures of formic acid and sodium formiate, propionic acid and ammonium propionate, formic acid and propionic acid, formic acid and sodium formiate and propionic acid, propionic acid and sodium propionate and formic acid and sodium formiate; glycerides of carboxylic acids and short and medium chain fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids, such as omega-6 fatty acid (C18:2) methyl ester and 1,2- propandiol and beverage stabilizers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone-polymer or polyvinylimidazole/polyvinylpyrrolidone- copolymer. Animal feed additives, human food additives and dietary supplements are defined in more detail in paragraph [5002] of Reference RF1 .

The converting step(s) to obtain the animal feed additives, human food additives, dietary supplements may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.

The terms aroma chemical and aroma composition as used herein, comprise a volatile organic substance with a molecular weight between 70-250 g/mol comprising a functional group with a carbon skeleton of Cs-Cw carbon atoms comprising linear, branched, cyclic, for example with a ring size of C5-C18, bicyclic or tricyclic aliphatic chains and but not necessarily one or more unsaturated structural elements like double bonds, triple bonds, aromatics or heteroaromatics and preferably the one or more additional functional groups are selected from alcohol, ether, ester, ketone, aldehyde, acetal, carboxylic acid, nitrile, thiol, amine. In one aspect, the aroma chemical is a terpene-based aroma chemical, for example selected from monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids, diterpenes, triterpenes or tetraterpenes. Aroma chemicals can be combined with further aroma chemicals to give an aroma composition. Aroma chemicals and aroma compositions are defined in more detail in paragraph [5003] of Reference RF1

The converting step(s) to obtain the aroma chemical and aroma composition may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.

The term "aqueous polymer dispersion”, as used herein, comprises aqueous composition (s) comprising dispersed polymer(s) and is defined in more detail in the section [6001] entitled “aqueous polymer dispersion” of Reference RF1 . The dispersed polymer(s) may be selected from acrylic emulsion polymer(s), styrene acrylic emulsion polymer(s), styrene butadiene dispersion(s), aqueous dispersion (s) comprising composite particles, acrylate alkyd hybrid dispersion(s), polyurethane(s) (including UV-curable polyurethanes) and polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer(s). The term “emulsion polymer”, as used herein, comprises polymer(s) made by free-radical emulsion polymerization. Aqueous polyurethane dispersion are defined in more detail in the section [6002] entitled “Polyurethane dispersions” of Reference RF1. UV-curable polyurethane(s) is/are defined in more detail in the section [6017] of Reference RF1. Polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer(s) is/are defined in more detail in the section [6016] of Reference RF1.

The term "polymeric dispersant”, as used herein, comprises preferably polymer(s) comprising polyether side chain, in particular polycarboxylate ether polymer(s) and polycondensation product(s) defined in more detail in paragraph [6020] entitled "Polymeric dispersant" of Reference RF1 . The converting (polymerization) step(s) to obtain the aqueous polymer dispersion(s) comprising emulsion polymer(s) is/are defined in more detail in the section [6003] entitled “Emulsion polymerization” of Reference RF1.

The converting (polymerization) step(s) to obtain the aqueous polyurethane dispersion(s) is/are defined in more detail in the section [6014] entitled “Process for the preparation of aqueous polyurethane dispersions” and section [6017] entitled “Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them” of Reference RF1.

Composition(s) and uses of aqueous polymer dispersion(s) and of polymeric dispersant(s) are defined in more detail in the following sections of Reference RF1 : section [6004] entitled “Uses of aqueous polymer dispersions”, section [6005] entitled “Binders for architectural and construction coatings” section [6006] entitled “Binders for paper coating” section [6007] entitled “Binders for fiber bonding” section [6008] entitled “Adhesive polymers and adhesive compositions” section [6015] entitled “Aqueous polyurethane dispersions suitable for use in coating compositions” section [6016] entitled “Aqueous polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybride polymer dispersions suitable for use in coating compositions" section [6017] entitled “Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them” section [6018] entitled “Inorganic binder compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and their use" [6019] 100% curable coating compositions

UV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylate(s) and its/their uses are defined in more detail in section [6009] entitled “UV- crossl inkable poly(meth)acrylates for use in UV-curable solvent-free hotmelt adhesives and their use for making pressure-sensitive self-adhesive articles” of Reference RF1.

Polyisocyanate(s), composition(s) comprising them and their uses are defined in more detail in section [6010] entitled “Polyisocyanates” of Reference RF1.

Hyperbranched polyester polyol(s) and its/their uses are defined in more detail in section [6011] entitled “Organic solvent based hyperbranched polyester polyols suitable for use in coating compositions” of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the hyperbranched polyester polyols is/are defined in more detail in the section [6012] entitled “Preparation of organic solvent based hyperbranched polyester polyols” of Reference RF1. Coating composition(s) comprising hyperbranched polyester polyol(s), polyisocyanate(s) and additive(s) and substrate(s) coated therewith are defined in more detail in section [6013] entitled “Organic solvent based two component coating compositions comprising hyperbranched polyester polyols and polyisocyanates” of Reference RF1. Unsaturated polyester polyol(s), solvent-based coating composition(s) comprising said unsaturated polyester polyol(s) and substrate(s) for coating with said coating composition(s) are defined in more detail in section [6018] entitled “Organic solvent based coating composition comprising unsaturated polyester polyols” of Reference RF1. 100% curable coating composition(s) is/are defined in more detail in section [6019] of Reference RF1.

Polymeric dispersant(s) for inorganic binder compositions is/are defined in more detail in section [6020] of Reference RF1 . The inorganic binder composition (s) comprising the polymeric dispersants and their use are defined in more detail in section [6021] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the polymeric dispersant(s) are defined in more detail in section [6020] of Reference RF1. The term “inorganic binder composition” comprising the polymeric dispersant(s), as used herein, comprises preferably in particular hydraulically setting compositions and compositions comprising calcium sulfate and is defined in more detail in section [6021] of Reference RF1 entitled “Inorganic binder compositions comprising the polymeric dispersant and their use”. Specific building material formulation(s) comprising polymeric dispersant(s) or building product(s) produced by a building material formulation comprising a polymeric dispersant are disclosed in more detail in section [6021] of Reference RF1.

The term “cosmetic surfactant”, as used herein, comprises non-ionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants and is defined in more detail in paragraph [7002] of Reference RF1. The term “emollient”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound used for protecting, moisturizing, and/or lubricating the skin and is defined in more detail in paragraph [7003] of Reference RF1 . The term “wax", as used herein, comprises pearlizers and opacifiers and is defined in more detail in paragraph [7004] of Reference RF1. The term “cosmetic polymer”, as used herein, comprises any polymer that can be used as an ingredient in a cosmetic formulation and is defined in more detail in paragraph [7005] of Reference RF1 The term “UV filter”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet light and is defined in more detail in paragraph [7006] of Reference RF1. The term “further cosmetic ingredient”, as used herein, comprises any ingredient suitable for making a cosmetic formulation. Several sources disclose cosmetically acceptable ingredients. E. g. the database Cosing on the internet pages of the European Commission discloses cosmetic ingredients and the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, edited by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), discloses cosmetic ingredients. The term “composition and/or formulation thereof” with reference to the cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter and/or further cosmetic ingredient refers to personal care and/or cosmetic compositions or formulations defined in more detail in paragraph [7007] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter or further cosmetic ingredient is/are defined in more detail in paragraph [7008] of Reference RF1 .

The terms “polymer B”, “polymer composition B”, “coating composition”, “other functional composition", “foil”, “molded body”, “coating” and “coated substrate” are well known to the person skilled in the art and are defined in more detail from paragraph [8000] to [8005] of Reference RF1. The invention also relates to the automotive shredder residue comprising at least 50 wt% of shredded polymeric vehicle parts of vehicles of the selected vehicle type.

The automotive shredder residue is usually obtainable, preferably is obtained, by the steps a), b), and c). The automotive shredder residue is usually obtainable, preferably is obtained, by the steps a), b), c), and e). The automotive shredder residue is usually obtainable, preferably is obtained, by the steps a), b), c), d) and e).

The selected vehicle type in the automotive shredder residue comprises preferably a vehicle brand, a vehicle subbrand, a multiple of vehicle brands owned by the same car manufacturer, a vehicle model of the vehicle brand, a model year of the vehicle model, or a model year of the vehicle sub-brand.

The shredded polymeric vehicle parts in the automotive shredder residue preferably comprise at least 80 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt%, of target plastic fragments which are made of a targeted plastic type selected from polyolefin, polyamide, a polyurethane, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polyoxymethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise at least 95 wt% shredder fragments with a fragment size below 12 cm.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise less than 0.1 wt% of cables, wires and ropes with a length above 12 cm.

The automotive shredder residue may comprise polyurethane foam fragments in an amount of up to 1 wt%.

The automotive shredder residue preferably contains less than 20 wt% shredder dust.

Figure 1 illustrates a part of a possible flow scheme:

Part A symbolizes collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site (square around all vehicles).

Part B symbolizes identifying selected vehicles (dotted circle) of a selected vehicle type (black convertibles, symbolizing for example all vehicles of the Volkswagen vehicle brand).

Part C symbolizes shredding (two counterrotating two shaft shredder with bottom discharge without grid) the shredder load (dashed lines square around the black convertibles) to produce the automotive shredder residue (black irregular fragments under the shredder). Figure 2 shows a possible flow scheme with a suitable process sequence for recycling the automotive shredder residue: Starting from the collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types, followed by optional depollution, followed by optional dismantling, followed by the identifying selected vehicles, followed by shredding a shredder load which contains the selected vehicles, followed by optional separating the metal fragments from the shredded vehicle, then the ASR is obtained, followed by optional separation of the ASR in shredder light fraction and shredder heavy fraction, followed by the optional drying, followed by transporting the automotive shredder residue to a recycling location, and followed by the recycling of the automotive shredder residue.

The present invention allows several advantages:

For example, when the shredder load has a minimum quality or minimum homogeneity, then the process parameters can be optimized and preset to optimal conditions. Similar, when the ASR composition has a minimum quality or homogeneity, then the recycling processes can be optimized and pre-set to optimal conditions. On top, the resulting product quality after the recycling process will improve and result in a more homogeneous recycled product.

Further, the automotive shredder residue can segregate less during transportation; the automotive shredder residue has improved flowability characteristics, making it easy to discharge the automotive shredder residue smoothly from the bottom discharge container, e.g. without clogging or without ratholing. It is also possible to reduce transportation costs, e.g. with a reduced volume of the automotive shredder residue. During unloading, the dust formation of the automotive shredder residue is reduced, and the formation of electrostatic charges.

Claims

1. A method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of a) collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; b) identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and c) shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix.

2. The method according to claim 1 where the interior of the shredder is cleaned prior to shredding the selected vehicle type.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 where the shredding is made with a vehicle shredder machine with a low retention volume.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3 where the shredding is made with vehicle shredder machine is a two shaft shredder with two rotating cutting shafts and bottom discharge without grid.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4 where the shredder load which contains at least 80 wt% of the selected vehicles.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5 where the selected vehicle type is a vehicle brand, a multiple of vehicle brands owned by the same car manufacturer, a vehicle model of the vehicle brand, a model year of the vehicle model, or an engine type of the vehicle model.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6 where the method further comprises a step d) of transporting the automotive shredder residue to a recycling location without mixing it with foreign shredder residue.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7 where the method further comprises a step e) of recycling of the automotive shredder residue at the recycling location.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8 where the recycling of the automotive shredder residue is made by pyrolysis, depolymerization or gasification.

10. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8 where metal fragments are separated from the automotive shredder residue.

11. The method according to any of claims 1 to 10 where the automotive shredder residue comprises less than 5 wt% of metal fragments.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11 where the plastic fragment mix comprises at least 80 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt%, of target plastic fragments which are made of a targeted plastic type selected from polyolefin, polyamide, a polyurethane, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polyoxymethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.

13. Method, preferably according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising the step:

- converting the automotive shredder residue obtainable by or obtained by the method according to any of claims 1 to 12 or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the method according to any of claims 1 to 12 to obtain a product PRF1.

14. A method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising a step e) of recycling of the automotive shredder residue at a recycling location, where the automotive shredder residue is obtainable by a) collecting vehicles of multiple vehicle types on a collection site; b) identifying selected vehicles of a selected vehicle type, where the vehicles comprise polymeric vehicle parts; and c) shredding a shredder load which contains at least 50 wt% of the selected vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and optionally d) transporting the automotive shredder residue to the recycling location without mixing it with foreign shredder residue.

15. An automotive shredder residue as defined in any of claims 1 to 13 comprising at least 50 wt% of shredded polymeric vehicle parts of vehicles of the selected vehicle type.

16. The automotive shredder residue according to claim 15 where the selected vehicle type is a vehicle brand, a multiple of vehicle brands owned by the same car manufacturer, a vehicle model of the vehicle brand, a model year of the vehicle model, or an engine type of the vehicle model.

17. The automotive shredder residue according to claim 15 or 16 where the shredded polymeric vehicle parts comprise at least 80 wt%, preferably at least 90 wt%, of target plastic fragments which are made of a targeted plastic type selected from polyolefin, polyamide, a polyurethane, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polyoxymethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.

18. The automotive shredder residue according to any of claims 15 to 17 where the automotive shredder residue comprises at least 95 wt% shredder fragments with a fragment size below 12 cm.

19. The automotive shredder residue according to any of claims 15 to 18 where the automotive shredder residue comprises less than 0.1 wt% of cables, wires and ropes with a length above 12 cm.

20. The automotive shredder residue according to any of claims 15 to 19 where the automotive shredder residue comprises polyurethane foam fragments in an amount of up to 1 wt%.

21. The automotive shredder residue fraction according to any of claims 15 to 20 where the automotive shredder residue contains less than 20 wt% shredder dust.