International. A significant advance in the circular economy has come to the automotive industry: Fiat has launched the new Grande Panda model, the first to use recycled material from Tetra Pak post-consumer packaging in visible components inside.
Each unit of the Grande Panda integrates recycled material equivalent to 140 beverage containers, whose thin layers of polyethylene and polyaluminum are transformed into parts such as the center console, dashboard and interior door panels. This development positions Fiat as a pioneer in the use of this type of waste in applications of high aesthetic value.
The key material is a compound called Lapolen Ecotek, produced by Lapo Compound, made from polyaluminium, a mixture of polymers and aluminium recovered from Tetra Pak packaging recycling. The collaboration between Fiat and Lapo Compound made it possible not only to meet the demanding technical standards of the automotive sector, but also to achieve a glossy finish with a specific blue tone, allowing it to be used in visible areas of the vehicle.
"We believe in creating products that not only meet strict quality standards, but also contribute to a circular economy," said Giuseppe Crisci, CEO of Lapo Compound.
This effort also reinforces Fiat's sustainability strategy under the "less is more" approach, which is committed to eliminating unnecessary parts and reducing polluting materials such as chrome and leather.
"The incorporation of recycled material from beverage containers aligns with Fiat's mission to produce more sustainable and affordable vehicles," said Mónica Montes.
With this development, Fiat anticipates the European Commission's proposal that at least 25% of plastic in vehicles should come from recycled materials. The Grande Panda is already available in Europe and is expected to arrive in Latin America in 2026.
"The use of recycled beverage packaging materials in the Fiat Grande Panda is a fantastic demonstration of its enormous potential across multiple industries," said Kinga Sieradzon, Vice President of Sustainability Operations at Tetra Pak.
