Automotive catalytic converter recycling has constituted the majority of the platinum group metal (PGM) recycling activity since it began in 1979 and 1980 when rising PGM prices made recycling economically feasible. However, the first PGMs had been used in auto catalysts in 1974 for the new model 1975 vehicles in response to the passage of the first Clean Air Act. These first vehicles equipped with catalytic converter systems used primarily platinum. Palladium began to be used and grew to be the primary catalytic metal in gasoline engine converters during the 1990s. Diesel vehicle systems typically use platinum, but a trend toward substituting some of the platinum for palladium is underway.
Platinum, palladium and rhodium are the three main precious metals used in auto catalysts due to their remarkable resistance to high temperature corrosion and oxidation. The quantity of platinum, palladium and rhodium used in auto catalysts may vary greatly by vehicle type, manufacturer, country, year and additional factors. These precious metals play a key role in auto catalysts, which currently consumes approximately 50% of the combined available supply of platinum, palladium and rhodium.
Mandating the use of PGMs in auto catalysts varied throughout the world. Europe, for instance, began using auto catalysts in the early 1990’s. Stricter laws and standards continue to be introduced throughout the world, and now 85 percent of all new gasoline engine cars built in the world contain catalytic converters. Even diesel engines are now subject to regulations that took effect in 2007 that require catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter systems. The requirement of these systems for diesel engines and the increased standards and use of auto catalysts throughout the world will further increase the demand for PGMs and promote recycling activities.
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