Volvo Trucks Expands Use of Recycled Materials in VNL and VNR
Volvo Trucks North America has updated its production specifications to incorporate a higher baseline of recycled and renewable materials within its core heavy-duty commercial truck segments.
The ongoing manufacturing integration targets the current-generation Volvo VNL long-haul and Volvo VNR regional-haul platforms, functioning as part of the OEM's broader strategy to reduce scope-source carbon emissions throughout the vehicle assembly life cycle.
Effective May 2026, the structural front wheel well splash shields are manufactured utilizing 75% post-industrial recycled plastics sourced from domestic supply chains. Inside the cab architecture, specialized composite and textile configurations have been integrated, including seatback substrates featuring up to 75% recycled fibers and commercial carpet systems specifying up to 50% recycled content. Premium interior specifications for the Ultimate trim line also swap simulated finishes for authentic Ayous wood veneers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
"Our vision for the future of transportation extends beyond reducing tailpipe emissions," stated Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. Looking toward future component development, Volvo engineers are mapping out a secondary phase designed to transition 44 separate instrument panel sub-components to recycled polymer blends, alongside field-testing bio-based composites incorporating hemp and agricultural byproducts.
This manufacturing shift minimizes initial asset carbon overhead while maintaining the cabin durability, driver comfort, and fleet reliability standards demanded by long-haul routing.
