Design for the environment

Environmentally responsible product development begins with the selection of suitable raw materials and ends with recycling-friendly design and production processes. Wherever possible, we use high-quality recycled raw materials in place of expensive and precious raw materials. For example, in the plastics sector we give priority to recycled or recyclable materials. To date, we have successfully tested the use of recycled raw materials for around 10% of the plastics we use in our vehicles. These materials have now been approved for series production applications.

The new S-Class is the world's leading example of the effectiveness of our 'Design for the environment' concept. It is the world's first car with an environmental certificate. Certification is based on international standards which are accepted by all relevant stakeholders. Compliance with these standards and the correctness of the information provided has been verified by independent experts. Issued by the TÜV Management Service in Munich, the certificate confirms that the car was developed in line with high environmental standards. The new S 350 meets the Euro 4 emission limits with values as low as approximately 15% of the permissible Nitrogen Oxide levels and approximately 25% of the permissible level of hydrocarbons.

The new C-Class is the most recent recipient of this environmental certificate. Mercedes-Benz remains the only manufacturer worldwide to possess this demanding certification.