Renault Broadens ELV Recycling Network with Derichebourg Partnership

Renault Group has expanded its end-of-life vehicle recycling system in France by signing a new partnership with Derichebourg Environnement, a move aimed at strengthening compliance, traceability, and material recovery across its vehicle take-back network, according to company statements and industry reporting.

The agreement extends Renault’s so-called Individual System for ELV management by formally integrating Derichebourg’s dismantling and recycling assets, at a time when automakers face tighter enforcement of extended producer responsibility rules and rising scrutiny over recycling performance in Europe. Observers note that OEM-led systems are increasingly being used to secure reliable downstream capacity amid consolidation in the recycling sector.

France has long required car manufacturers to ensure that ELVs meet European reuse and recovery thresholds, currently set at 95% by weight, with at least 85% coming from reuse and recycling, based on EU data. Previous compliance efforts have relied heavily on fragmented networks of authorised treatment centres, often criticised by regulators for uneven performance and limited material traceability. Analysts say automakers are now favouring more integrated models that link depollution, dismantling, and industrial recycling under tighter contractual oversight.

Under the new arrangement, 40 authorised ELV treatment centres within the Derichebourg network have signed Renault’s Individual System contract, expanding capacity for vehicle collection, depollution, and dismantling in line with regulatory standards. In parallel, 20 Derichebourg-operated shredding and material processing facilities have been contracted to handle post-dismantling flows, using advanced separation technologies to recover metals and other materials at higher yields. Renault said the additions are expected to help the system meet or exceed public recycling targets.

With the latest signings, Renault’s Individual System now covers around 500 recycling facilities across France, including roughly 480 ELV centres and 20 shredding plants. This network operates alongside Renault’s existing partnership with INDRA Automobile Recycling, which remains one of the country’s largest ELV management platforms. Industry groups argue that scale is becoming a decisive factor as recycling economics tighten and investment costs rise for high-performance sorting equipment.

For vehicle owners, the process remains free under French law. ELVs can be dropped off at approved partner centres, collected on request through manufacturer-linked platforms, or handled via the national one-stop portal that aggregates automaker and eco-organisation systems. Treatment centres are responsible for depollution, parts recovery, and material sorting, while ensuring full traceability of vehicles, components, and residual shells through to final recycling sites.

Renault executives said the partnership reflects a broader push to secure consistent environmental outcomes across its brands. Derichebourg representatives highlighted the role of industrial-scale recycling in supporting circular economy targets. Analysts say similar OEM–recycler alliances are likely to accelerate as Europe prepares to update its ELV framework to place greater emphasis on recycled content and data transparency.

Market participants expect further consolidation and digitalisation in ELV management, with automakers seeking closer control over material flows to support recycled-material supply chains for new vehicles. The success of such systems, analysts say, will depend on their ability to deliver verifiable results at scale while remaining accessible to consumers.

Source: Renault Group

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Renault’s expanded partnership with Derichebourg signals a shift toward more integrated, OEM-led control of end-of-life vehicle recycling in France.