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Italian automobile manufacturer Fiat Automobiles S.p.A. has launched the latest model of the Fiat Grande Panda, which contains recycled materials from used beverage cartons.
Tetra Pak’s polyAl material, a combination of polymers and aluminum components recovered during the recycling of beverage cartons, is used inside the plastics of the car’s interior, including the central console, dashboard, interior front and rear door panels.
Switzerland-based Tetra Pak has been exploring and expanding commercial applications for polyAl in collaboration with compound producers and recyclers.
“The use of recycled materials from beverage cartons in the Fiat Grande Panda is a fantastic demonstration of their vast potential across multiple industries,” says Kinga Sieradzon, vice president of sustainability operations at Tetra Pak. “It’s a powerful example of how sustainable solutions can drive innovation and reshape traditional manufacturing.
“This is a great result of collaboration. By working together with companies like Fiat and Lapo Compound, as well as engaging with governments and consumers, we can drive the systemic change required to expand the end-market for recycled materials. This collective effort is crucial for building a more circular economy and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.”
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The Fiat Grande Panda components are made using a polyAl-based compound called Lapolen Ecotek, produced by Italy-based Lapo Compound. Fiat says it chose the material for its shimmering effect, created by the aluminum content of the recycled material and because Lapo Compound was able to precisely match the specific shade of blue required.
Tetra Pak says Fiat’s use of the polyAl material in the Fiat Grande Panda shows that this recycled material can be used on a large scale by the automotive industry. The car is already on the market in many European countries and will be available outside Europe by the end of the year.
In addition to its automotive applications, Lapo Compound is also conducting trials for other uses of Lapolen Ecotek, including outdoor furniture and factory floors.
“We believe in creating products that not only meet strict quality standards but also help contribute to a circular economy by keeping valuable materials in use,” Lapo Compound General Manager Giuseppe Crisci says. “Our product innovation has successfully met this technical challenge for Fiat, which is testament to our dedication to sustainable innovation that supports a journey toward a more circular, responsible future.”
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