Did you know that Audi uses recycled materials for some components in the Audi Q8 e-tron (also with the RS e-tron GT). These materials, treated through a recycling process, reduce the amount of resources used and ensure a closed, efficient and sustainable material loop.

In the interior of the Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi uses recycled materials for insulation and damping, as well as for carpeting. The decorative inlay above the display, called the Tech Layer, is available with a new anthracite-colored technical material that’s partially composed of recycled PET bottles.

With the S line equipment package, the sport seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and the microfiber material Dinamica. Dinamica is made from up to 45 percent polyester fibers that are manufactured from recycled PET bottles, used textiles and fiber residue. In contrast to previous microfiber quality, the production of Dinamica is also solvent-free – another contribution to environmental protection.

Furthermore, some safety-related components that partially comprise mixed automotive plastic waste treated through a chemical recycling process are used for the first time – specifically, the plastic covers for the seatbelt buckles. As part of the PlasticLoop project, Audi worked with the plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell to establish a process in which chemical recycling will be used for the first time to reuse mixed automotive plastic waste in the series production of the Audi Q8 e-tron.

In this process, jointly implemented with LyondellBasell, plastic components from customer vehicles that can no longer be repaired are dismantled and separated from foreign materials such as metal clips before being shredded and processed into pyrolysis oil through chemical recycling. This pyrolysis oil is then used as a raw material in the production of new plastics in a mass-balance approach.

Also, thanks to the Audi Brussels plant which has been certified as the world’s first carbon-neutral, high-volume production facility in the premium segment. This is achieved by using green power from the plant’s large solar power system, requiring battery suppliers to use green power, and transporting components like electric motors from Hungary to Brussels by rail.

Despite aggressive reduction measures, some emissions in the production process are currently unavoidable. Audi offsets these remaining carbon emissions by purchasing credits from certified climate protection projects. The projects are verified by non-profit organizations such as The Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard.

Since its arrival in Malaysian showrooms, this all electric Q8 has had to compete with the BMW 1X and Mercedes-Benz EQ SUV’s which have established themselves a few years earlier.