From recycled plastics and responsibly sourced wood to manufacturing processes that support circularity, Volvo Trucks is incorporating more sustainable materials throughout its vehicles to reduce environmental impact. The design philosophy is woven throughout the all-new Volvo VNL and VNR, the company's latest generation of heavy-duty trucks designed for long-haul and regional-haul operations.
"Our vision for the future of transportation extends beyond reducing tailpipe emissions," said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. "Every component of a truck presents an opportunity to reduce environmental impact. The all-new Volvo VNL and VNR demonstrate how sustainable material choices can be integrated into vehicle design while maintaining the premium quality, durability and performance our customers expect from Volvo Trucks.”
Recycled plastic reduces carbon emissions
Beginning in May 2026 the splash shield, located inside the front wheel well, is now manufactured using 75% recycled plastic which reduces carbon emissions associated with the manufacturing of this component. Additional recycled content is used throughout the cab, including carpets containing up to 50% recycled material and seatback components containing up to 75% recycled fibers.
Looking ahead, Volvo Trucks plans to expand the use of recycled materials in the Volvo VNL and VNR to use recycled plastic in 44 instrument panel components. The material will be sourced and recycled in the United States and is expected to reduce carbon emissions associated with those parts.
Premium materials with a lower environmental impact
One of the most visible examples is the sustainably sourced real wood trim in the instrument panel. Unlike simulated wood finishes commonly used throughout the industry, Volvo Trucks offers genuine wood trim sourced from responsibly managed forests, combining premium craftsmanship with sustainable sourcing practices.
"Sustainable design is most successful when customers never have to choose between environmental responsibility and product quality," said Brian Balicki, head of design, Volvo Trucks North America. "Our goal is to create products that look and feel premium while reducing environmental impact throughout the vehicle lifecycle."
Building toward the next generation of sustainable trucks
These advancements are the result of ongoing collaboration across Volvo to identify and implement more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. Teams continue to evaluate emerging technologies, including bio-based composites, recycled consumer plastics, reclaimed ocean plastics and renewable material alternatives.
The sustainable materials featured in today's Volvo VNL and VNR represent only the beginning of a broader strategy to increase recycled content, improve recyclability and support a more circular future for commercial transportation.
Sustainable Materials in the All-New Volvo VNL and VNR
Splash Shield
Premium Sustainable Wood Trim
Interior Materials
Future Material Development Areas
June 25, 2026
To learn more about Volvo Trucks North America, visit the company website.
High-resolution images associated with this press release and others are available at https://press.volvotrucks.us/.
For further information, please contact:
Allison Scudder
Public Relations Manager
336.833.4679
allison.scudder@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Its Uptime Services commitment is delivered by a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck is assembled in the Volvo Trucks New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which meets the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, 14001 standard for environmental care and holds a dual ISO 50001/Superior Energy Performance certification at the platinum level, indicating a sustained excellence in energy management. Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions for its customers, offering a full range of diesel, alternative-fuel and all-electric vehicles, and is part of the Volvo Trucks global organization.
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2025 approximately 120,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.