We can do better. Responsible management of automotive plastic waste
As a parent of 3 young girls who are influenced by environmental matters, climate debates and practising responsible recycling in their everyday lives at school and home…….. it has opened my eyes to the fact that I have an obligation to do what I can for the environment and try to make a change in our industry.
I have decided to take action and ask for your support to join the Waste Motive Initiative, together we can make a positive difference for generations to come.
During my 30 year career in the collision and parts supply industry, I have been at the forefront of plastic parts repairs, recycling, and innovation programs working with business, industry, and government bodies.
Starting as a 16-year-old Plastic Repair Apprentice, over the years I have witnessed the collision repair industry, vehicles, repair processes, machinery, and technology evolve over this time into today’s connected, tech-driven fast-paced world.
Though it saddens me that the management of automotive plastic waste has not changed much during this period, we still find ourselves working in an industry with very little regulation or action being taken on trying to repair more minor impact automotive plastic parts, how and by whom the waste parts are managed when picked up from collision centers, where the waste ends up and how it is processed by companies or individuals who pick it up.
With China and other countries closing their doors in recent years on this automotive waste and more components on vehicles now being made from plastic the problem has escalated increasing plastic waste cost to collision repair centers as businesses struggle to find new economical ways to responsibly processes automotive waste locally.
In some instances, this plastic waste including bumpers and headlights ends up stock-piled in backyards, wrecking yards, stocked on farmland or most frequently it is sent straight into general waste bins and landfills where it will stay buried in the ground contaminating our planet.
As individuals, business owners, and as an industry, we have a moral obligation to do more and take appropriate steps to tackle this environmental issue as the world’s focus is directed on responsible waste management by businesses and cleaning up our planet.
It is time for action! Working with like-minded individuals and companies I would like to announce the launch of the WASTE MOTIVE initiative by Plastfix, which will be based on the foundation of 6 key pillars, taking automotive plastic waste issues and developing sustainable recycling solutions for the collision repair industry.
As part of the initiative, a Waste Motive TASK FORCE will be set up to action the items below.
Waste Motive 6 Pillars Mission
ZERO Waste – Eliminate automotive plastic waste sent to landfill
Set up waste processing and parts re-use solutions for plastic waste generated by collision repair facilities diverting it from general waste and landfill.
Reduce automotive waste cost to businesses
Create a value in the plastic parts waste by developing by-products from recycled plastic parts and re-use solutions on minimum impacted automotive plastic car parts to be repaired.
Develop a circular plastic part re-use economy
Establish Micro Processing centers and provide certified on-site plastic repair technicians to repair suited parts for re-use trading via Green Credits and a Parts-Sharing platform.
Design industry suited stationed or mobile shredding machinery, equipment & tools to better manage the recycling of automotive waste and repairs.
Create consumer & industry awareness programs
Develop online and print material to be displayed at Collision Centres or shared with consumers digitally, better educating them on the benefits of the Waste-Motive Initiative and the positive environmental impact the program delivers.
Set up regulated waste management system
Working with insurance, OEM’s, Industry associations, businesses, and government to establish a Task Force to structure a better-regulated industry on how automotive plastic waste is managed and responsible disposal of waste by all key stakeholders.
Register your interest and join the initiative. www.plastfix.com/wastemotive
Mario Dimovski: Responsible Parent and Earth Resident
Who is Plastfix
Established in 2014 Plastfix has led the way on most things plastic repair related in the collision repair industry, managing over 40,000 plastic part repairs per year and growing. We provide our customers with certified automotive plastic repair technicians to perform plastic repairs on-site, either permanently based on called out on demand.
We have pioneered new delivery methods of plastic repair solutions, filler-free plastic repair processes, employee training programs, specialty repair tools, and online management platforms.
Plastfix is at the forefront of innovation and advancing technologies with the development of an automated headlight repair system and have invented our own 3D printable PP material.
Plastfix is actively investing in staff, research, and innovation. We are passionate about examining new ways of delivering the highest possible standard of repairs and sustainability solutions benefiting our customers, consumers, our industry, and the environment.
