The newly released ‘Circularity Glossary on Common Terms, Graphics and Examples for the Automotive Sector’ compiles the most commonly used Circular Economy terms within the automotive industry. This initiative aims to establish a shared language among industry professionals, facilitating clearer communication and better collaboration across the sector.
The Glossary provides a foundation for understanding the evolving concept of the Circular Economy, particularly as it applies to automotive suppliers. By compiling over 50 key terms relevant to the automotive industry, the Glossary seeks to standardise language and concepts that are critical as the industry shifts towards more sustainable practices. Certain terms, such as “closed-loop” and “open-loop,” are still under development or lack universally aligned legal standards. As such, ongoing dialogue with policymakers and other stakeholders is crucial. These discussions will help to improve the quality of existing terms, harmonise definitions, eliminate redundancies, and identify the need for new terms. Consequently, this Glossary is intended to be a living document, regularly updated to reflect the latest developments and consensus within the industry.
The creation of this Glossary underscores the commitment of automotive suppliers to sustainability and the Circular Economy, which focuses on minimising waste and maximising the reuse of materials in vehicle production and throughout the supply chain. As the industry continues to innovate and evolve, having a shared understanding of these concepts will be essential for driving meaningful progress towards more sustainable mobility.
The development of the Glossary has been led by CLEPA’s Circular Economy Expert Group.
