The 2024 ABP Club State of the Industry Report, sponsored by Mirka, sheds light on a significant shift in the UK body repair industry—the growing adoption of green parts. As bodyshops navigate persistent supply chain disruptions and mounting environmental pressures, the role of green parts has emerged as both a practical and sustainable solution, reshaping the landscape of automotive repair.
According to the latest data, green parts are now a fixture in the majority of bodyshops, with 80% of respondents reporting their use in 2024, a steady increase from previous years. Furthermore, 68% of bodyshops noted an uptick in their green parts usage over the past year, demonstrating a broader acceptance of recycled components as a viable alternative to new, original equipment (OE) parts. On average, green parts account for 3.2% of total parts volume—small but indicative of growing momentum.
The supply chain crisis has amplified the demand for green parts. Half of all bodyshops surveyed reported that parts shortages continue to affect their operations, with delays cited as a recurring issue. In such scenarios, green parts are a lifeline: 80% of bodyshops reported turning to them when new parts were unavailable within a reasonable timeframe. Similarly, 69% opted for recycled parts when new components were no longer manufactured.
These practical considerations, coupled with the rising costs of repairs, have elevated the status of green parts from a stopgap to a strategic necessity in many businesses.
However, the report underscores several hurdles preventing the widespread adoption of green parts. Quality concerns remain at the forefront, with 53% of bodyshops citing inconsistent standards as a key issue. Rectification work—often time-consuming and costly—was another common complaint noted by 37% of respondents. Resistance from policyholders and work providers further complicates adoption, with many citing misconceptions about recycled parts as inferior or unreliable.
Trust is essential for accelerating green parts usage, and initiatives like the Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA) certification are making strides in this direction. In 2024, 64% of bodyshops were aware of the VRA’s certification scheme, and more than half (56%) acknowledged that certification influenced where they sourced green parts. This underscores the importance of industry-wide quality assurance measures in building confidence among repairers, insurers, and policyholders alike.
Cost considerations also drive the adoption of green parts, especially in a challenging economic environment. With 57% of bodyshops reporting lower repair volumes compared to the previous year and 46% experiencing flat or reduced profits, finding ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality has become essential. Green parts offer a cost-effective alternative, helping bodyshops maintain margins while navigating fluctuating repair demand.
Beyond economics, the use of recycled parts aligns with growing sustainability goals. By reducing reliance on new manufacturing, green parts contribute to lower carbon emissions and support a circular economy, enhancing the industry’s environmental credentials—a factor increasingly valued by both clients and regulators.
Despite challenges, the future of green parts in the bodyshop industry looks promising. The report reveals a clear trend towards wider adoption, driven by necessity, cost-efficiency, and environmental stewardship. However, sustained progress will require continued investment in quality assurance, education for stakeholders, and collaborative efforts to address persistent misconceptions.
The 2024 ABP Club State of the Industry Report highlights the transformative potential of green parts within the automotive repair sector. For bodyshops, embracing this shift represents not only a path to operational resilience but also an opportunity to lead the industry’s charge toward a more sustainable future. As recycled components move from the margins to the mainstream, they offer a compelling narrative of innovation meeting responsibility—one that resonates with today’s repairers and tomorrow’s customers.
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