How to improve the sustainability of your bodyshop

The destruction caused by climate change has become increasingly apparent in recent years. This has put almost every global industry – including, of course, the automotive sector – under growing pressure to examine their environmental impact and actively seek new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. 

In addition to this increased focus on sustainability, continuing high energy costs mean that everyday bodyshop operations have become significantly more expensive than they were just a few years ago.  

So, as a bodyshop owner or manager, what actions can you take to keep your business profitable and maximise the sustainability of your operations? 

Recycling and waste management

A comprehensive waste management strategy is essential for every automotive repair facility and can prevent waste unnecessarily ending up in landfill. 

Scrap metals can often be recycled rather than disposed of, and hazardous waste such as oil, tyres and solvents should be dealt with responsibly and according to local laws and regulations. 

Bodyshops can also choose to stock more eco-friendly products and ancillaries and make informed decisions, such as choosing recyclable or reusable materials over single-use products. 

Using sustainable or recycles parts

When a car has been in a collision and needs a replacement part, this will typically be a brand-new part from the manufacturer. This can cause problems when the cost of the new part outweighs the total value of the damaged vehicle, resulting in perfectly repairable vehicles being scrapped.  

Today, there are various schemes and initiatives that provide recycled or ‘reclaimed’ parts salvaged from damaged vehicles. This reduces the number of vehicles written off or scrapped as well as saving useful parts from landfill. These schemes also support sustainability in the automotive industry as a whole by reducing the volume and environmental impact of manufacturing processes. 

In the past, vehicle owners were often reluctant to use recycled car parts, but a survey by UK insurance company Aviva has shown a change in opinion*. The report shows that 58% of motorists would be likely to use a recycled car part, while an impressive 72% of drivers under 24 years old would choose this option.  

Switching to eco-friendly products

Making the switch from traditional solvent-based paints and coatings to waterborne systems can help bodyshops to dramatically reduce their environmental impact. 

Solvent-borne paints emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are a leading cause of air pollution and contributor to climate change as well as posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Water-based paints emit significantly fewer VOCs – often virtually zero – which means that opting for waterborne products can greatly reduce the environmental impact of your bodyshop.  

In the past, solvent paints were generally considered to provide a better finish than their water-based counterparts, but this is no longer the case. Modern water-based paints are fast drying, safer, more environmentally friendly and deliver both vibrant colour and excellent durability.  

Energy efficiency

From sanding and polishing to spraying and curing, energy-intensive repair processes typically make up a high proportion of bodyshop expenses. While this may have been manageable a few years ago, recent spikes in energy prices have driven costs up and had a severe impact on many automotive businesses. 

Bodyshops can increase their efficiency by taking steps to reduce energy consumption and operating more sustainably. The PPG Energy App is a great place to start the process by offering insights into your current energy use and carbon emissions alongside suggestions for improvement. 

The PPG Energy App demonstrates potential reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions throughout your workshop, which includes ways to use the spray booth more efficiently, choosing the right products and systems to facilitate savings, and exploring the benefits of a carbon-reduced repair process. 

The app can help your business to reduce cycle times and deliver more sustainable repairs with a lower environmental impact. 

Educating your staff and customers

Fostering a culture of sustainability can benefit your business – and the environment – in multiple ways.  

It is essential that your employees have a full understanding of any actions you have taken to reduce energy costs and work more sustainably, as well as the reasons for doing so. This will not only support your end goal by ensuring that the correct processes and procedures are being followed in the workshop but will also help in extending knowledge of more sustainable practices to your customers.  

Research has shown that the rising cost of living has resulted in drivers putting off repairs to their vehicles which can subsequently cause further issues down the line as well as causing the vehicles to run inefficiently. Your workshop can play a key role in educating the importance of timely repairs in a sustainable environment to these customers. 

Embracing new technologies

The automotive industry has experienced rapid evolution in recent years in terms of the new products and technologies available. These innovations have been specially developed to deliver high quality performance and results while also providing greater energy efficiency and more environmentally friendly operations.  

One example is the PPG LINQ™ digital ecosystem, a portfolio of hardware and software tools that digitalise everyday repair and refinish processes to save time, ensure consistently good results, improve efficiency and reduce product waste. 

Optimising the layout of your workshop

Whether you are running a small body shop or a high-production facility, the layout of your workshop plays a key role in maintaining efficient, profitable and sustainable operations.  

By optimising your floor space, you can ensure a smooth workflow throughout the shop. This helps to prevent unnecessary delays, bottlenecks or downtime that can slow productivity, as well as ensuring optimal resource allocation and efficient use of employees’ time. 

Working with your MVP consultant

MVP Business Solutions consultants are perfectly placed to advise and support bodyshops and collision repair businesses in improving their sustainability and profitability.  

For more information, contact us.

*https://www.aviva.com/newsroom/news-releases/2023/09/almost-three-in-five-motorists-likely-to-use-recycled-car-parts/