This approach will allow replacing individual faulty parts instead of replacing the entire headlight. This reduces waste, lowers repair costs, and extends service life. For example, if a lens is damaged by a stone, a mechanic can dismantle it and install a new one without replacing the whole unit.
Tomorrow XX — is not just about repairable headlights. Mercedes has learned to reuse fiberglass-reinforced polyamide from recycled airbags for making engine mounts. Plastic from scrapped cars can also be used for lining the underbody of new models.
The next initiative to reduce emissions may not appeal to new Mercedes buyers. Studies have shown that recycled plastic from old tires can be used as a basis for artificial leather. The German premium brand claims that combining recycled plastic with biological proteins results in an "innovative material resembling natural leather in composition and structure". It is twice as tear-resistant and more resistant to extreme temperatures.
All these methods significantly reduce emissions by increasing the use of secondary raw materials. People usually pay attention only to emissions from the exhaust pipe, but a car impacts the environment even before the owner drives the first kilometer. Mercedes aims to reduce pollution by more actively using existing materials and reducing the demand for primary raw materials.
Source: Mercedes-Benz