LyondellBasell Recycled Polypropylene Compound in Dacia Duster

LyondellBasell and Romanian automaker Dacia, part of the Renault group, announced their collaboration on the exterior design of the new Dacia Duster model, a family SUV. Dacia Duster now features the sturdy “Starkle” material, made possible by the CirculenRecover portfolio from LyondellBasell. The CirculenRecover polypropylene (PP) compounds incorporate recycled materials in the new Duster model.

“This innovative material not only elevates the aesthetics of
vehicles but also aligns with our customers' sustainability goals,” says Alexandre Martin, business development manager at LyondellBasell.

The CirculenRecover polymer, a PP compound that includes 20% recycled PP based on mechanical recycling, is derived from postindustrial waste diverted from the manufacturing process of goods such as flexible packaging. Compared to using virgin materials, this reduces CO₂ emissions, according to LyondellBasell. CirculenRecover is incorporated into the Dacia “Starkle” material, which is used in exterior parts such as bumpers, trims and body side moldings across the new Duster model. Beyond achieving performance for automotive exteriors, CirculenRecover polymers offer a mold-in color special effect with particles to highlight the use of recycled content. This single-material solution eliminates extra steps, enhances design efficiency and can help improve the potential recyclability of the parts.

“Our collaboration with LYB has resulted in a leading-edge solution for the automotive industry,” says Damien Laplane, cross car line and brand experience leader at Dacia. “It serves as a powerful demonstration that recycled materials can be both aesthetically pleasing and high performing.”

A proposed EU rule governing end-of-life vehicles would make the use of recycled content minimum for vehicles at 25% of plastic materials, of which 25% would be required to come from recycled end-of-life vehicles.