A team of four master students from Sustainable Management & Technology and Bioeconomy, supervised by Prof. Magnus Fröhling and Vanessa Heinrich of the Professorship of Circular Economy are part of a collaborative research project with the aim to align with the EU‘s end-of-life vehicle recycling proposal by analyzing material recovery in Africa. The first physical meeting of the so-called AFRECAR project took place at one of Hyundai’s headquarters in Rüsselsheim on the 5th of June. Despite flooding in southern Bavaria and various travel delays, all participants arrived safely and engaged in a productive day of insights and valuable discussions.
The attendees included automotive OEMs, a consulting firm, two research institutes including TUM, and an EUCAR representative overseeing project management. As part of the agenda, TUM presented its working package, detailing the current status of end-of-life vehicle recycling in Ghana and sparking valuable discussions. The event highlighted initial findings and conclusions, as well as major challenges and possible synergies between the project partners.
Hyundai provided excellent hospitality, offering a delicious lunch in the cafeteria, which facilitated further engaging conversations. The day concluded with an agreement on responsibilities and the finalization of the project schedule, providing a solid foundation for a successful continuation of the project endeavor.
AFRECAR Project Team at HYUNDAI Motor Group in Rüsselsheim
Picture Credit: Timo Unger