AIMPLAS Advances Odor-Free Car Interiors with Clean Recycled Materials

Published: 07 Oct 2025

Author: Precedence Research

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The distinct “new car smell” may seem appealing, but it is actually caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful gases released from the materials used in car interiors. The innovative H2ODOR project, developed by Spain-based AIMPLAS, aims to eliminate toxic and unpleasant car odors in response to growing concerns about health and sustainability. The project combines environmental responsibility with passenger comfort by producing premium odorless recycled plastics for car interiors.

The H2ODOR project focuses on developing advanced thermoplastic materials from post-consumer recycled polyolefins. These materials must be affordable and odor-free, while also meeting stringent automotive requirements, including mechanical strength, heat resistance, and UV stability. Before the plastics are reprocessed into new auto parts, AIMPLAS removes VOCs and other impurities by optimizing new decontaminating and deodorization techniques using water-based procedures. 
The forward-thinking initiative is a collaboration between AIMPLAS, Fych Technologies, and Faperin. Fych Technologies provides its knowledge of recycling and water vapor cleaning-based odor removal technologies, while Faperin oversees testing and incorporates the created plastics into automotive parts. The European Regional Development Funds and IVACE+i have provided crucial support for the projects, guaranteeing the scalability and useful testing of these materials in actual vehicle applications.

Beyond enhancing the quality of the air inside automobiles, H2ODOR is essential to the automotive industry's efforts to advance a circular economy. Since the sector uses a significant amount of plastic globally, switching to recycled materials from virgin ones could substantially reduce carbon emissions. An enormous step toward environmentally friendly manufacturing could be taken if Spanish-made cars were to use 50% recycled plastic, according to studies. This would prevent CO2 emissions equal to those produced by more than 150000 vehicles in a single year.

More than just an innovation project, H₂ODOR aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging responsible production and healthier living environments. As AIMPLAS researcher Juan Alfonso Naranjo emphasized, the initiative demonstrates how materials science can directly enhance both human health and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, AIMPLAS is redefining the “new car smell,” turning it from a chemical odor into a symbol of cleaner, greener innovation.