Saturn Corporation Recycling Painted Thermoplastic Bumper Fascia

Saturn Corporation has developed a system to recycle painted thermoplastic elastomer olefin (TEO) bumper fascia. Traditionally, automotive thermoset paints in combination with thermoplastic parts offered limited recycling potential. Saturn's goal was to develop and implement the most cost effective method for reclaiming painted fascia scrap. By evaluating polymer parts on current vehicles, the wheel liner was targeted as a potential application for the painted fascia regrinds. The painted TEO regrind is blended with a polypropylene copolymer and injection molded into wheel liners. In addition to serving as an outlet to recycle the painted fascia scrap generated during production, the wheel liner is a promising application for recycling painted fascias once the useful life of a Saturn vehicle is complete.