More sustainable filters from MANN+HUMMEL – From filter production and use right through to recycling
Sustainability is a central topic in today’s automotive industry. With growing environmental requirements and the need to reduce CO₂ emissions, filtration plays a crucial role. As one of the world’s leading filter manufacturers, we are committed to developing innovative and more sustainable filtration solutions that support both traditional and alternative drive systems. These solutions are part of our comprehensive sustainability strategy, helping guide the automotive sector on its journey toward a cleaner future.
99.95 %
of fine dust from cars and other sources can be removed by our filters*
30 %
lower CO₂ emissions through the use of more sustainable materials and components*
35 %
reduction in oil consumption thanks to more environmentally friendly filter variants*
*The figures are based on calculations by technical experts using internal company data analyses
More sustainable automotive filtration solutions for cleaner mobility
International regulations, such as the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELV), present both challenges and opportunities for the automotive sector. New vehicles must be equipped with sustainable components that improve vehicles’ environmental performance and make recycling easier and more efficient. Currently, about 1.5 billion vehicles are in operation worldwide, offering enormous potential for the aftermarket (source: statista). Reducing emissions, extending vehicle lifespan, and protecting people and the environment are all goals we support with our products.
MANN+HUMMEL offers a wide range of filtration solutions for the automotive sector that, thanks to ongoing product optimization, already contribute to greater sustainability. For example:
MANN+HUMMEL also develops specialized e-mobility filter systems for alternative drive trains – protecting batteries, fuel cells, and electric drives, while making them more efficient.
Filter lifecycle: More sustainability from manufacturing to recyclability
MANN+HUMMEL considers the entire lifecycle (cradle-to-cradle) when manufacturing filters and filtration systems:
- Filter production: The lifecycle of a filter begins at the manufacturing stage, where MANN+HUMMEL is increasingly using sustainable materials. Using recycled and renewable raw materials is central to our approach and ethos.
- Filter application: During use, these filters deliver high dust holding capacity and long service life with optimal energy efficiency. They reliably protect vehicle components and people and help reduce emissions. The long service life of the parts, in particular, has a positive environmental impact. At MANN-FILTER and MANN+HUMMEL OE, we meet the highest standards in these areas.
- Filter recycling: Many components in our products can already today be recycled.
We also use life cycle assessments (LCA) to calculate our carbon footprint. Our sustainability measures are regularly audited by EcoVadis, one of the world’s largest providers of business sustainability ratings.
Innovation and sustainability in filter manufacturing, use, and disposal
In filter production, we rely on innovative technologies and environmentally friendly materials to create more sustainable filter elements and complete filtration systems:
- Plant-based raw materials partially replace phenolic resin in filter impregnation, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 5 percent.* This positive impact on our carbon footprint has been confirmed by ClimatePartner.
- Use of plant-based oils to create more environmentally friendly PU foam in seals.
- Increasing the proportion of recycled materials in our products.
- Use of FSC®-certified cellulose in selected applications.
At MANN+HUMMEL, we are continually increasing the share of recycled and recyclable high-grade plastics in our products. This includes, for example:
- End caps and center tubes of oil and fuel filters
- Cages for large engine air filters for trucks
We are also developing new processes to further improve the sustainability of our filtration products – especially in terms of use and end-of-life recyclability:
- Eco-design for more sustainable filters: Minimizing material use and avoiding production waste
- Modular design of complex filtration systems for improved recyclability
*The figures are based on calculations by technical experts using internal company data analyses
Digital technologies and their potential to optimize filtration processes
Digital products and technologies play an increasingly important role in the development and optimization of filtration processes. At MANN+HUMMEL, we are pioneers and leaders in data-driven filtration optimization. Two of our digital solutions for improved filtration are:
- smartFE: Software for AI-based development of filter elements.
- Digital CAF Solutions: Improved air quality in vehicles via intelligent monitoring and cabin air filtration systems.
We can automatically calculate the carbon footprint of our products using a proprietary method that is continuously refined and has been certified externally by TÜV Rheinland. The calculation and automation are based on the Catena-X Rulebook for CO₂ calculation, the gold standard for open data ecosystems in the automotive industry.
The future of filter production at MANN+HUMMEL
More sustainable filters in the automotive sector are an essential part of a forward-thinking mobility strategy. With innovative filtration technology and a focus on sustainability, MANN+HUMMEL sets a clear course: By using more environmentally friendly materials and digital technologies, we are making a significant contribution to reducing the environmental footprint of both new and existing vehicles.
Starting in 2025, the first CO₂-reduced filters will be launched with the following features:
- Impregnation with plant-based raw materials
- Production using renewable energy
- Sustainable packaging made from recycled materials
With this initiative – and our goal to achieve CO₂-neutral production by 2035 and a climate-neutral value chain by 2050 – MANN+HUMMEL is fully supporting the Paris Climate Agreement to reach climate neutrality by 2050. We are committed to continuing to lead by example as a sustainable filtration company. Our efforts not only support cleaner mobility, but also make an important contribution to achieving global climate goals.
