Recycling Today MAR 2025 / by DeAnne Toto, Editorial Director / Read original article
According to Worcester Polytechnic Institute research, the benefits include a smaller carbon footprint and stronger domestic supply chains.
According to a study from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, reusing automobile parts, such as engines, transmissions, bumpers, headlights and doors, across different vehicle types to repair vehicles offers environmental benefits and reduces the need for energy-heavy manufacturing processes without sacrificing product quality.
The study, “Quantifying the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Carbon) Impact of Reusing Automotive Parts for Vehicle Repairs,” was led by Brajendra Mishra, the Kenneth G. Merriam Professor in mechanical engineering, and Hyunsoo Jin, a research assistant professor in the mechanical and materials engineering department, and sponsored by the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA). The Manassas, Virginia-based ARA is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of more than 4,500 professional automotive recyclers across the United States and in 17 countries.
The tests for the study were conducted at WPI’s Metal Processing Institute, a leading center for advancing materials science and sustainable manufacturing. The team assessed 10 common automotive components across three vehicle categories: sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks. Researchers analyzed data from 2015 models of the Toyota Camry, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford F-150, examining parts such as engines, transmissions, bumpers, headlights, doors, wheels, fenders, tailgates, hoods and door mirrors.
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