Volvo Trucks is expanding the use of recycled and renewable materials in its latest heavy-duty truck models, as part of an initiative aimed at reducing the environmental impact of commercial vehicle manufacturing.
The use of recycled plastics, wood from certified supply chains and production solutions designed to support circularity involves several areas of the new Volvo VNL and VNR, the manufacturer’s latest generation of heavy-duty trucks for long-haul and regional-haul applications.
“Our vision for the future of transportation extends beyond reducing tailpipe emissions. Every component of a truck presents an opportunity to reduce environmental impact. The all-new Volvo VNL and VNR demonstrate how sustainable material choices can be integrated into vehicle design while maintaining the premium quality, durability and performance our customers expect from Volvo Trucks,”
Said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America.
Recycled Plastic, from the Cab to the Instrument Panel
From May 2026, Volvo Trucks introduced a splash shield located inside the front wheel well and made with 75% recycled plastic, with the aim of reducing emissions linked to the production of the component. Recycled materials are also used in the cab: carpets contain up to 50% recycled material, while some seatback components contain up to 75% recycled fibres.
The programme also includes a wider use of recycled plastic in the Volvo VNL and VNR, with the material planned for 44 instrument panel components. The plastic will be sourced and recycled in the United States, with an expected reduction in emissions associated with the production of these parts.
Certified Wood for the Interiors of the New VNL and VNR
Among the most visible elements is the use of real wood trim on the instrument panel. Volvo Trucks uses genuine wood veneer sourced from responsibly managed forests, a choice that differs from the simulated wood finishes commonly used across the industry.
“Sustainable design is most successful when customers never have to choose between environmental responsibility and product quality. Our goal is to create products that look and feel premium while reducing environmental impact throughout the vehicle lifecycle,”
Said Brian Balicki, head of design at Volvo Trucks North America.
Toward a More Circular Supply Chain for Heavy Trucks
The initiative is part of Volvo’s broader work on materials and manufacturing processes with lower environmental impact. Solutions still under evaluation include bio-based composites, post-consumer recycled plastics, plastics recovered from the oceans and alternatives derived from renewable materials.
The use of these materials in the Volvo VNL and VNR is part of a wider strategy to increase the share of recycled content in vehicles, improve recyclability and support more circular production models in commercial transportation.
Key Materials Introduced in the Volvo VNL and VNR
In detail, Volvo Trucks identifies several areas of the vehicle where recycled materials or materials from certified supply chains have already been introduced, as well as areas for future development.
Splash Shield
- 75% post-industrial recycled content
- Recycled plastic sourced from the United States
- Reduction in CO₂ emissions
Wood Trim
- Genuine Ayous wood veneer
- Sourced from responsibly managed forests
- Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
- Available on Ultimate trim level models
Interior Materials
- Up to 75% recycled fibres in seatback components
- Up to 50% recycled content in carpet systems
- Carpet manufacturing scrap is recycled directly on site
- Production in Hampton, New Hampshire
Future Development Areas
- Expanded use of post-industrial recycled plastic in the instrument panel to introduce recycled content in 44 components
- Bio-based composites using materials such as hemp and agricultural by-products
- Post-consumer recycled plastics
- Plastics recovered from the oceans
- Recycled textile materials
- Improved design for disassembly and component recovery
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