Winner in the Enabler Technology category: ecodesign of a strategic component for the future of e-mobility

A new important recognition for RadiciGroup from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). An innovative battery module for electric cars, made of Renycle^®  mechanically recycled polyamide, won an award in the “Enabler Technology” category during the 23rd SPE Automotive Award Night, held in Bonn yesterday. The goal was achieved thanks to the Group’s close collaboration with the other partners working on the project: Mersen and Leartiker.
 

Now in the prototype stage, the battery module represents a new technology for the manufacture of essential e-mobility parts, which is based on an approach combining sustainability, technical performance and ecodesign.

 

A distinctive element of this application solution is the use of  Renycle^®, a polyamide 6-based engineering polymer produced from recycled post-industrial and post-consumer feedstock and developed by RadiciGroup as a flame-retardant grade (UL 94 V-0 at 0.8 mm). The material is halogen-and-red-phosphorus-free and UL Yellow Card-certified, ensuring not only lower environ­mental impact but also excellent mechanical performance comparable to that of virgin materials.

 

“This award confirms RadiciGroup’s role as a solution provider for the e-mobility sector, by making available innovative materials and expertise in ecodesign,” stated Carlo Grassini, marketing and technical service – CAE Service manager of RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers. “Renycle^® is an engineering polymer that combines high mechanical performance and reduced environmental impact, demonstrating that it is possible to replace virgin materials and, at the same time, guarantee performance and safety.”

 

In addition to the choice of materials, the project introduced important innovations in the design and production process. Indeed, the battery pack was designed with modular architecture that will facilitate disassembly and maintenance, allowing for the replacement of individual cells if needed.

This feature, together with a 25% weight reduction compared to the benchmark, contributes to improved efficiency during use and prolongs the useful life of the system.

 

This battery module shows how process innovation, material selection and intelligent design can come together to significantly lower environmental impact and reinforce a circular approach. This is a technology that looks ahead to the future of electric mobility, where sustainability and high performance will become an inseparable partnership.

 

“We are proud of our synergistic working relationship with Mersen and Leartiker – real teamwork that was able to demonstrate the validity of our technical solution,” Fabio Macchini, Automotive R&D project manager of RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers, added.  “We hope that our prototype developed according to ecodesign principles can be transformed into an industrial solution and make a tangible contribution to the transition towards more sustainable electric mobility.”

 

The results of an LCA study carried out on the prototype indicated a reduction of 65% in CO₂ emissions compared to a standard reference battery pack (Segment D).

The battery module will be presented during the K 2025 trade fair in Düsseldorf at the RadiciGroup stand, Hall 6 – Stand B10, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Group’s experts and obtain further information, including in-depth project characteristics.

Click here to download the press release