According to the results, processing one kilogram of automotive shredder residue with three kilograms of biomass reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than three kilograms of CO₂ equivalents compared to energy recovery through incineration. The findings are relevant for current discussions on upcoming EU legislation on end-of-life vehicles.
The study builds on a gasification pilot project conducted in mid-2025 by BASF and BEST GmbH (Austria). For the first time, biomass and plastic waste from automotive shredder residues were co-gasified in BEST’s pilot plant.
The process converts biomass and plastic waste into steam and synthesis gas, which can be used as feedstock for chemical production. This approach helps replace fossil raw materials and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by keeping carbon in circulation.
To enable broader industrial application, the researchers point out the need for a regulatory framework that classifies mixed plastic waste as recyclable and supports the replacement of fossil feedstocks with alternative materials derived from waste and biomass. While the gasification of bio-waste is already supported in EU policies—stimulating investment in sectors such as maritime and aviation fuels—no equivalent support exists for gasifying plastic waste.
According to the project partners, it would be more efficient to enable multi-purpose gasification plants for both bio-waste and plastic waste under an audited, flexible mass-balance system.
The potential of non-fossil feedstock from automotive plastic waste is considerable. More than one million tonnes of automotive plastic waste are currently landfilled or incinerated in Europe each year. Although a portion can be recovered through mechanical recycling, a residual mixed plastic stream remains. The ETH Zurich study demonstrates that co-gasifying this residual waste with biomass in multi-purpose assets offers a feasible recycling route with lower CO₂ emissions compared to incineration.
The resulting circular feedstock enables the production of high-quality materials, including performance plastics that meet the requirements of demanding applications such as safety-relevant automotive components.
