The New Mercedes-Benz GLB and Environmental Measures

 

• CO₂-reduction in the supply chain of around 21 % – achieved through the use of renewable electricity and recycled materials in key components and materials such as batterie, aluminum, steel and thermoplastics – compared to production without these measures
• Up to 2.8 tons of CO₂ savings in the battery cells through the use of renewable energy
• More than 50% of the aluminum (163 kg) comes from CO₂-reduced production using renewable energy, resulting in savings of around 0.6 tons of CO₂

Mercedes-Benz is consistently advancing the decarbonization of its compact segment: the all-new electric GLB sets a benchmark for a more sustainable production and a CO₂-reduced supply chain with its 360° Environmental Check. The analysis, verified by independent auditors, highlights significant progress, particularly in manufacturing – one of the most important levers for reducing emissions.

The key result: CO₂-emissions can already be reduced by around 21 % during the production phase by taking specific reduction measures. This is made possible by close collaboration with suppliers, as well as the targeted use of renewable energy and CO₂-optimized materials.

Consistently engineered for CO₂ reduction across the entire value chain

The new GLB is based on the new Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). Designed from scratch with a focus on decarbonization and circular economy principles, particular attention has been paid to especially emission-intensive components and materials such as the battery, aluminum, steel and thermoplastics, which are at the center of the reduction measures.

Key contributors to the environmental performance at a glance:

• CO₂-reduced high-voltage battery: The use of electricity from renewable sources in cell production reduces the carbon footprint of the battery cells by around 40 %. Across the entire battery, this corresponds to a saving of approximately 2.8 tons of CO₂.
• Sustainable aluminum: More than half of the aluminum used (163 kg) comes from smelters powered by renewable energy. This reduces the carbon footprint of these components by around 30 % – amounting to a total saving of approximately 0.6 tons of CO₂.
• Transformation of steel production: Steel and ferrous materials account for around 46 % of the materials used. The GLB already incorporates approximately 20 kg of CO₂-reduced steel produced in electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy. Looking ahead, the combination of direct reduction with green hydrogen usage and electric steelmaking processes has the potential to enable virtually CO₂-free steel production.
• More recycled materials for lower emissions: A total of 45 kg of thermoplastic recyclates are used. Examples include:
  – Frunk tub: 50 % recycled content
  – Jacking points: 100 % made from recycled material
  – Longitudinal member claddings and bumper substructures: up to 30 %
  These measures alone result in savings of around 71 kg of CO₂ compared with the use of primary materials while promoting a circular economy at the same time.

Net carbon-neutral¹ production at the Kecskemét plant

Since 2022, Mercedes-Benz’s own vehicle production sites have been net carbon-neutral¹. By 2030, more than 70 % of energy requirements in production are set to be covered by renewable energy. The goal for all Mercedes-Benz production plants worldwide is to operate entirely on renewable energy without CO₂ emissions by 2039. As part of ongoing construction measures, Mercedes-Benz is investing in the expansion of photovoltaic systems across the entire Kecskemét site. In addition, there is a strong focus on the continuous reduction of water consumption and waste volumes.

Click here for the 360° Environmental Check of the all-new electric GLB.