Mercedes-Benz to be first in Europe to use 75% recycled aluminium in EVs

31 / 07 / 2026

By Marwa Nassar - -

Mercedes-Benz will become the first automaker in Europe to use aluminium made with 75% post-consumer recycled content in series production, expanding its partnership with Norwegian aluminium producer Hydro as it seeks to lower emissions across its electric vehicle supply chain.

The recycled material, Hydro CIRCAL, will be used in the next generation of Mercedes-Benz’s large electric vehicles. Produced from aluminium recovered from end-of-life vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure, the material contains at least 75% post-consumer scrap—up from around 25% in the aluminium currently supplied to the automaker.

Combining recycling with low-carbon production:

Alongside recycled aluminium, the companies will continue expanding the use of Hydro REDUXA, Hydro’s low-carbon primary aluminium produced using renewable energy. The partners also committed to further reducing the material’s carbon footprint over time.

Mercedes-Benz said combining recycled and low-carbon aluminium will help cut emissions while maintaining the performance, quality, and safety standards required for automotive manufacturing.

Building more resilient regional supply chains:

The expanded partnership is also designed to strengthen regional supply chains by increasing local recycling and shortening material transport routes. According to the companies, keeping aluminium in circulation reduces demand for virgin raw materials while improving resource efficiency and supply-chain resilience.

Mercedes-Benz said the next generation of automotive supply chains will rely on greater circularity, lower carbon emissions, and increased localization to improve resilience and manufacturing quality.

Broader decarbonization strategy:

The collaboration builds on a long-term roadmap launched in 2022 to decarbonize the aluminium value chain. In 2024, the companies expanded the partnership to cover the entire aluminium production process, from raw materials to finished automotive components, while also launching the Corridor Program in Brazil to strengthen responsible sourcing and human rights due diligence.

Today, Mercedes-Benz already uses Hydro REDUXA aluminium in selected production models. The material has a carbon footprint more than 70% lower than the global average, highlighting its potential to reduce emissions in vehicle manufacturing.