This glossary compiles the most commonly used Circular Economy terms in the automotive industry, aiming to establish a shared language among industry professionals. Its purpose is to lay the groundwork and provide a foundational understanding of the complex and evolving concept of the circular economy for automotive suppliers. During its creation, a comprehensive review of available sources, including legal documents, reputable standards, and recognised associations, was conducted.
Approximately 150 terms were analysed, and more than 50 were selected for the final version. Terms were chosen based on their relevance to the automotive industry and the reliability of the sources, with legally defined terms given the highest priority, followed by standards and reputable associations. Each term was thoroughly discussed, and additional comments were added to clarify their meanings in the automotive context when necessary. It is important to note that some relevant terms (e.g., closed-loop and open-loop) are still under development, or lack commonly aligned legal standards. Therefore, ongoing discussions with policymakers and other stakeholders are essential to further enhance the quality of existing terms, synchronise definitions, avoid duplications, and address the need for new terms. Consequently, this glossary is a living document that will be updated accordingly
The glossary is available as a downloadable PDF document, as well as on this webpage.
For questions or feedback, please contact CLEPA’s R&I Circular Economy Expert Group.