Bosch Power Tools has completed a pioneering pilot project demonstrating that high-quality technical plastics from discarded power tools can be recycled and reused without compromising performance or durability. The project led to the creation of the UniversalImpact 800 Closed-Loop Edition, featuring a housing made of 78% recycled material. Partnering with experts across the recycling chain, Bosch aimed to close the loop on plastic use in power tools—an industry where technical plastics are typically incinerated due to their complex properties.
To ensure production-ready quality, Bosch collected and analyzed thousands of end-of-life tools, generating over 500,000 data points to identify suitable materials. The resulting recyclate, made without additives or new glass fibers, met Bosch’s high standards for strength, durability, and appearance. This achievement demonstrates that circular use of technical plastics in demanding products is possible.
The pilot received TÜV Süd certification, confirming the closed-loop approach. While 22% of components, such as switches and soft grips, remain outside the loop due to material variations, the project provides key insights into scalability, process optimization, and CO₂ reduction potential. Bosch’s initiative marks an important step toward a circular economy in power tools and responsible material use across the industry.
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