Carbon labelling on car parts is ‘next step’ in driving circular economy


While the transition towards a low-carbon and circular economy is already underway in the automotive sector, independent technology-driven supply chain solution provider, REvolve, tells us that it has taken a decisive step towards fully embracing the circular economy revolution with the introduction of carbon labelling on car parts, said to be a first for Ireland.

The Monaghan-based company is focused on maximising the re-use of automotive parts and resources, with all of REvolve’s defined carbon savings independently audited and verified to ensure complete transparency.

The introduction of carbon labelling in Ireland takes this a step further, with all parts in the REvolve network now featuring a carbon label, highlighting real, measurable carbon savings for all stakeholders.

Through its technology platform, REvolve says it “empowers clients to embrace all the benefits of sustainability in a new and innovative way by bringing an independent panel of quality-assured vehicle recyclers and green parts suppliers, and green parts consumers such as insurers, repairers, and fleets, together in a structured, value-driven manner, with real, measurable financial and environmental benefits”.

Richard Brennan, managing director of REvolve.

Richard Brennan, managing director of REvolve explains the rationale behind the introduction of carbon labelling here.

“Transparency and full disclosure about the carbon savings associated with green parts will help educate and inform consumers on the positive impact of choosing to reuse parts, and that’s where carbon labelling comes in,” he said.

“Green parts provide a more sustainable motoring solution, not only in helping to reduce carbon emissions, but also by presenting additional operational advantages such as reducing vehicle downtime and associated costs.

“Notably, ‘going green’ also translates to a faster and more cost-effective solution, as green parts are approximately 30 per cent cheaper than OEM parts.

“It is vital that we formulate strategies to address the carbon emissions associated with resource extraction, processing, logistics, and the production of new vehicles.

“The concept of the circular economy holds the key to this challenge, with its emphasis on the reusability of components, rather than their mere recycling.

“It is also important to recognise that every time a product is down-cycled into its base resources, we experience a significant loss in potential carbon emissions savings.”

In September, REvolve announced that in 2022 An Garda Síochána’s net Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) savings by procuring green parts from REvolve partner, Ted4Parts, for its fleet were 38,477.35 kgCO2e, in comparison with purchasing newly manufactured vehicle parts.

REvolve enabled these carbon emissions savings through the provision of 551 reclaimed vehicle parts of varying make and model. It claims the saving of 38,477.35 kgCO2e is equivalent to the emissions arising from driving 100,000 miles in a non-electric family car; charging 4,700,000 smartphones; or the yearly carbon sequestered by 48 acres of forest.