The automotive industry is increasingly aligning its production with the principles of sustainability. Manufacturers and suppliers are pursuing economic, ecological and social goals across all stages of the value chain: from the selection of materials to production in the individual plants. The results in resource conservation are impressive: drinking water consumption fell by more than 60 percent. Today, more than 80 percent of production waste is recycled. Since 1990, solvent emissions from vehicle series painting have fallen by 65 percent. They now reach the lowest level by international standards.