How Mercedes is Using Recycled Aluminium for Trucks

Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Hydro have initiated a collaboration focused on integrating low-carbon, recycled aluminium into the manufacturing process for electric waste collection vehicles.

The collaboration centres on the reECONIC project, where Mercedes-Benz Trucks is receiving recycled aluminium manufactured by Hydro CIRCAL.

This initiative seeks to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring critical materials remain in continuous circulation throughout the commercial vehicle production cycle.

Hydro's extruded components

For this project, Hydro has provided 600 kg of extruded parts manufactured by Hydro CIRCAL. This aluminium range features one of the world's lowest carbon footprints and contains a minimum of 75% post-consumer scrap content.

The reECONIC vehicle builds upon the foundation of the eECONIC battery electric waste collection truck.

According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the project involves more than 30 partners working to demonstrate how materials can be maintained in closed-loop systems whilst satisfying safety, performance and quality standards required in commercial vehicle manufacturing.

The project applies circular economy principles throughout the entire value chain, encompassing material sourcing, manufacturing processes and end-of-life recyclability considerations.

Paul Warton, Executive Vice President of Hydro Extrusions, explains: “The reECONIC project shows how circular design and low-carbon materials can go hand in hand. 

"By delivering extruded profiles made from Hydro CIRCAL, we are transforming end of life aluminium scrap into high performance components for the next generation of electric vehicles. This is a concrete example of how circular aluminum solutions can help decarbonise mobility."

Aluminium's role in manufacturing sustainability

Aluminium could play a crucial role in circular manufacturing approaches due to its ability to be recycled repeatedly without degradation of its properties. Hydro CIRCAL is manufactured using post-consumer aluminium scrap, including end-of-life automotive components and building materials.

This approach enables manufacturers to reduce emissions whilst maintaining design flexibility, supporting businesses in minimising the environmental impact of their products at the material selection stage.

Through its involvement in the reECONIC project, Hydro aims to demonstrate how aluminium can remain in continuous circulation, potentially supporting long-term resource efficiency and more resilient value chains across Europe.

Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, says: “Sustainability is an integral part of our strategy, which we are implementing in this project alongside strong partners. We are pursuing the clear goal of decarbonising our products.

“With the reECONIC, we are demonstrating a concrete path toward a more sustainable value chain in vehicle production.”

Industry showcase and future applications

The reECONIC vehicle is being exhibited at IFAT in Munich, the world's leading trade fair for environmental technologies. The exhibition showcases how recycled, natural and bio-based materials are applied throughout the vehicle's construction.

The driver's cab will be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks booth, with cross-sections of the vehicle and digital information highlighting key materials and components used in the manufacturing process.

Hydro plans to showcase the project at ALUFAIR 2026 in October, highlighting its contribution to the reECONIC alongside its broader range of circular solutions. The company intends to demonstrate how low-carbon aluminium can enable circular manufacturing practices across multiple industries, including mobility, building and construction sectors.