CITROËN’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
THINKING ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FROM VEHICLE DESIGN TO RECYCLING
At every step of the vehicle life cycle, the teams at Citroën work hard to keep automotive environmental impact to a minimum by monitoring consumption, CO2 emissions and pollutants, maintaining mindful use of natural resources, improving recyclability and more. Citroën is committed to:
- Thinking about environmental issues right from the design stage of its products and services
- Implementing circular economy principles, including material recycling and reuse.
DESIGN
“Green materials” fall into three categories:
- . Recycled plastic materials;
- Natural-origin materials (wood, plant fibres, etc.);
- Biosourced materials (polymers made from renewable resources instead of petrochemicals).
There are two main advantages to using these :
- It reduces the use of fossil-fuel plastics;
- It promotes the development of plastic recycling facilities by increasing their throughput.
Citroën has been rolling out an ambitious plan for using green materials since 2008. In 2018, they accounted for around 30% of the total polymer mass in our vehicles, compared to an average of 6% in 2007.
REDUCING EMISSIONS AND CONSUMPTIONCitroën uses a wide range of technological solutions specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. We’ll also be able to use the new and emerging hybrid and electric engines to create vehicles that are even more environmentally-friendly.
Citroën is aiming to make 70% of its range available in electrified versions by 2023, and 100% by 2025, with mild-hybrid, rechargeable hybrid, and 100% electric solutions on offer.
NEW CITROËN C5 AIRCROSS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW WE USE RECYCLED AND NATURAL MATERIALSOn average, New Citroën C5 Aircross contains 31% recycled and natural materials.
Around 85 polymer-based parts incorporate recycled and natural materials such as hemp fibres in the side door panel, recycled polyamide in the electric fan unit, air filters and cooler, and recycled polyethylene in the boot carpet.
PRODUCTION
Citroën is responding to environmental issues by:
- Helping to tackle global warming;
- Lowering pollution, including pollutants released into the air and water;
- Preserving natural habitats and biodiversity, and using less natural resources - especially water;
- Reducing the amount of waste produced and adding value to it.
We have been working towards certification for over 10 years and are now seeing the results in our plants, all of which are now ISO 14001 certified.
This standard was created in 1996. Its requirements include that plants are capable of monitoring, controlling, and measuring the effects of processes on the environment, meaning that all staff require suitable training.
AFTER-SALES
In response to the increasing need to protect our environment, Citroën is committed to 3 things:
- Automotive waste recycling and collection from approved organisations;
- Compliance of sites with national and European regulations;
- Traceability of waste and end-of-life parts so that they can be recycled.
In 2009, Citroën was the first car manufacturer to have our repair shops awarded the “Autoecoclean” label, which is a label awarded by the Autoeco independent body. This label recognises points of sale for the recycling and collection of automotive waste. It also promotes long-term involvement.
- After the first year of certification, the point of sale is awarded an “Autoecoclean Bronze” label.
- After three consecutive years of certification, the label is upgraded to an “Autoecoclean Silver” award.
- After two additional years, points of sale which are still meeting their commitments are awarded the “Autoecoclean Gold” label.
- Finally, the “Autoecoclean Platinum” label is awarded to points of sale that have continued to meet their commitments for 10 years.
In 2014, Citroën was the first car manufacturer to have points of sale receive an “Autoecoclean Gold” label. Since 2019, the number of points of sale labeled "Autoecoclean Platinum" has continued to grow.