AIAG (the Automotive Industry Action Group) drives progress in the global automotive industry. Its goals are to unite automotive OEMs, suppliers, and service providers worldwide; develop and maintain standards and best practices; and drive quality improvement, supply chain efficiency, and corporate responsibility. The AIAG conference was held October 7th through 9th in Novi, MI.
IMDS
IMDS (International Material Data System) is an automotive material data system. It was a joint effort of most major automotive OEMs. IMDS collects, maintains, and analyses all materials used in automobile manufacturing. This information is then used to meet national and international standards, laws, and regulations. One example of how Apple Rubber uses this system is that we input all the chemicals in our rubber formulation used to make an O-ring supplied to our customer. Our customer will then add that O-ring to their assembly. Next, this continues to one of the OEMs that builds a car with this information. They can then run analysis to see whether certain chemicals are used throughout the supply chain.
During the conference, there were presentations on tips and tricks for IMDS declarations. There were also frequent discussions on new regulations that will affect IMDS inputs. Also, a look into what new features the new releases will encompass.
GADSL
The Global Automotive Declarable Substance List (GADSL) lists chemicals that are either prohibited or reportable for the auto industry. GADSL only covers chemicals that are expected to be present in the materials or parts that remain in the vehicles at the point of sale. There are 281 chemical families with about 6,750 unique CAS numbers. Recent updates include EU regulations; California battery labeling; biocides, PFAS, Stockholm POPs; and flame retardants. Annual updates go through committee before finalizing additions.
PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This large group of artificial, synthetic chemicals is often called “Forever Chemicals.” PFAS can be found in cookware, packaging, and firefighting foams. PFAS can contaminate drinking water, soil, fish, and agricultural biosolids. Some health effects from exposure can be increased risk of cancer, liver and thyroid disease, and immune suppression. The automotive industry is making all efforts to comply with local, state, federal, and international regulations. Examples found in vehicles include stain-resistant seats, A/C freon, and engine seals. Depending on how regulations are written, this can have great effects on the supply chain.
Packaging EPR
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is an environmental policy to shift the financial and operational burden of managing post-consumer packaging waste from local government to product producers, brands, and manufacturers. Basically, producers report packaging data and pay fees to governmental agencies. There was also much discussion about reducing packaging across the supply chain.
PCF
Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) will be implemented in the IMDS system. Companies will need to calculate all greenhouse gases used to make their product to determine a CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) for the product. This way, automotive OEMs can calculate each car’s total carbon footprint. This can then result in efforts to reduce the footprint by using non-carbon-based fuels. One example was moving to all-electric forklifts.
There were many other topics discussed. It was a great conference for learning about new sustainability regulations in the automobile industry. It also covered how to input data into the IMDS system. New industries will adopt this system for chemical management.
In-Person Meetup?
We’ll be at a few more trade shows this year and we’d love the chance to see you.