From recycled plastics and responsibly sourced wood to manufacturing processes that support circularity, Volvo Trucks reports it is incorporating more sustainable materials throughout its vehicles to reduce environmental impact.
The design philosophy is woven throughout the all-new Volvo VNL and VNR, the company’s latest generation of heavy-duty trucks designed for long-haul and regional-haul operations.
“Our vision for the future of transportation extends beyond reducing tailpipe emissions,” says Peter Voorhoeve, president at Volvo Trucks North America. “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.”
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Beginning in May 2026 the splash shield, located inside the front wheel well, is now manufactured using 75% recycled plastic which reduces carbon emissions associated with the manufacturing of this component. Volvo reports additional recycled content is used throughout the cab, including carpets containing up to 50% recycled material and seatback components containing up to 75% recycled fibers.
Looking ahead, Volvo Trucks plans to expand the use of recycled materials in the Volvo VNL and VNR to use recycled plastic in 44 instrument panel components. The material will be sourced and recycled in the United States and is expected to reduce carbon emissions associated with those parts.
Volvo also reports one of the most visible examples is the sustainably sourced real wood trim in the instrument panel. Unlike simulated wood finishes commonly used throughout the industry, Volvo Trucks offers genuine wood trim sourced from responsibly managed forests, combining premium craftsmanship with sustainable sourcing practices.
“Sustainable design is most successful when customers never have to choose between environmental responsibility and product quality,” says Brian Balicki, head of design, Volvo Trucks North America. “Our goal is to create products that look and feel premium while reducing environmental impact throughout the vehicle lifecycle.”
Volvo adds these advancements are the result of ongoing collaboration across Volvo to identify and implement more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. Teams continue to evaluate emerging technologies, including bio-based composites, recycled consumer plastics, reclaimed ocean plastics and renewable material alternatives, the company says.
The sustainable materials featured in today’s Volvo VNL and VNR represent only the beginning of a broader strategy to increase recycled content, improve recyclability and support a more circular future for commercial transportation.
