Electric Waste Collection Vehicle Demonstrates Circular Manufacturing

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has introduced the reECONIC, a battery-electric waste collection concept vehicle developed with 32 partners to demonstrate how circular materials can be integrated into commercial vehicle manufacturing. The project combines electric mobility with recycled, biobased and renewable materials, while exploring ways to reduce emissions and preserve resources across the vehicle lifecycle.

Circular Materials Replace Conventional Components

The reECONIC is based on the Mercedes-Benz eEconic and includes a new FAUN reNew VARIOPRESS body made partly from recycled materials. The concept vehicle uses recycled steel, recycled aluminium, recycled glass and biobased plastics in a wide range of structural and interior components.

According to a TÜV SÜD-certified study, up to 80% of the steel, aluminium, glass and plastic used in the standard vehicle could theoretically be replaced with recycled or renewable alternatives. The partners also estimate that these material changes could reduce CO₂e emissions during manufacturing by up to 41%.

Several components highlight the growing role of circular materials in industrial design. The side members and front axle use CO₂e-reduced steel with high recycled content, while the cab frame and battery protection structure contain at least 75% post-consumer recycled aluminium.

Fishing Nets, Sunflower Waste And Lignin-Based Plastics

Inside the cab, conventional petroleum-based plastics have been replaced with recycled and biobased alternatives. Seat upholstery is made from recycled polyamide sourced from carpet waste and discarded fishing nets. The footwell trim uses a natural-fibre-reinforced PLA composite, while dashboard elements are produced from lignin-based plastics derived from the pulp and paper industry.

The vehicle also incorporates recycled thermoset plastics commonly used in wind turbine blades and boat construction. A display mount uses biobased filler material created from sunflower oil production waste.

In addition, the glazing contains an average of 64% recycled glass. Mercedes-Benz Trucks states that the material still meets strict automotive standards for safety, durability and performance.

Wood Introduced Into Commercial Vehicle Design

The reECONIC also marks the first use of wood in a modern Mercedes-Benz Trucks commercial vehicle. Certified beech wood components appear in the floor, wheel arch and fender areas. A separate development cab additionally features a wooden roof and seat shell.

The partners see wood as a renewable alternative to more carbon-intensive materials. During growth, beech trees absorb CO₂e, while the material itself remains recyclable at the end of the vehicle’s lifecycle.

Towards Closed Material Loops

The reECONIC will make its public debut at IFAT 2026 (9-11 June) in Munich before entering real-world testing with waste management company REMONDIS later this year. Mercedes-Benz Trucks and its partners aim to apply insights from the project to future series production.

By combining electric mobility with recyclable and renewable materials, the project demonstrates how commercial vehicle manufacturing could evolve towards more closed material loops and lower-carbon production systems.

Source: Daimler Truck AG
Photos: Mercedes-Benz Trucks