When your car has a scratch or dent in its bumper, your first thought is likely to be how you can fix it. Afterall, no one wants to be driving around with a damaged bumper. However there is another train of thought which is becoming more common: How can I minimise my impact on the environment?
Climate and environmental concerns are growing – WEF’s 2023 Global Risk report said that one of the top global risks in the next 10 years is failure of climate change adaptation and processes. To address this challenge, it’s likely all industries and processes will likely need to adapt to some degree. So, is there a lighter environmental impact you can have when it comes to fixing your bumper.
The cost – to you and the planet
Generally, having your bumper fixed will likely be a better environmental outcome than replacing it.
Replacing your bumper will require removing the damaged one, installing a new one and painting to ensure it matches the existing paint job of the car. The old bumper will be sent to landfill, contributing to Australia’s waste problem.
And the cost isn’t just to the planet, but to you too. In the case of replacing a bumper, you’ll have to pay for a replacement, along with labour – and often a disposal fee for the old bumper will be baked into the replacement price. For this reason, the costs to replace a bumper are usually significantly greater than repairing one.
In the case of a repaired bumper, you’ll be paying for the materials to bring your bumper up to scratch (no pun intended), minimising any additional landfill. This will include painting, grinding and buffing to make the new bumper blend in with the car. While this will cost money for materials and labour, there will be cost savings compared to a brand new bumper.
Of course, it’s not always possible for a bumper to be repaired – sometimes the damage is so extensive that a bumper can’t be repaired in a way that retains its structural integrity. But where it can be, it’s often far more environmentally sound than a replacement.
What about the supply chain?
Beyond the direct cost of replacing a bumper, there are often indirect environmental impacts which aren’t as easy to see. The automotive industry has clear challenges when it comes to sustainability. The Carbon Disclosure Project estimates that 18% of Co2 emissions generated by the automotive industry come from the supply chain. Addressing this will not only better recycling of end-of-life vehicles and parts, but reducing emissions from logistics.
Replacement parts are a key part of the automotive supply chain. These have to be shipped in which in turn increases the environmental footprint. Repairing rather than replacing parts helps to lessen the environmental impact. For consumers, there is an additional benefit: cost. Logistics costs are usually passed on to the consumer, so by repairing rather than replacing your bumper, you’ll be saving on cost.
So what is the verdict?
Whether a replacement or a repaired bumper is right for you will depend on the extent of your damage, whether there are structural issues and your budget. However, if environmental concerns are a priority for you, it’s worth contemplating a repair to lessen your footprint.
If you live in Sydney or its surrounding area and are looking for a car scratch or mobile bumper repair, reach out to Bumpertek today for your free, no-obligation quote.