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WE MINI IT. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
We know it takes more than zero tailpipe emissions to deliver sustainable change. That's why every stage of our new MINI vehicle development is underpinned by circular economy principles and a systematic approach to reducing our overall impact. We are more involved than ever in the supply chain and throughout our production sites. And we’re closing the loop on valuable materials, as well as recycling and reusing wherever possible.
OXFORD TO REMAIN THE HOME OF MINI.
The Oxford plant is gearing up to build two new all-electric MINI models from 2026, the MINI Cooper 3-door and the compact crossover MINI Aceman. From 2030, the Oxford Plant will produce all-electric MINI models exclusively.
Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand, says, “MINI has always been aware of its history – Oxford is and remains the heart of the brand. I am delighted that the two new, fully electric MINI models – the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman – are also being produced in Oxford, thereby confirming our path to a fully electric future.” Since 2017, all Plant Oxford’s electricity has come from renewable sources.
MINI OXFORD AT A GLANCE.
REDUCED WATER USE.
With the installation of a reverse osmosis water purification system at the Oxford plant, water for the painting process can be treated on site. This enables MINI to save up to 11,000 litres per hour in production alone.
11,500 SOLAR PANELS.
The photovoltaic system on the roof of the body shop comprises 11,500 solar panels and covers 20,000 m2 – equivalent to five football pitches. It reduces the annual carbon footprint by around 1,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.
RUBBER MODIFIED ASPHALT.
Two internal roadways have incorporated recycled tyres. This reduces the typical carbon footprint of modified tarmac by around 8%. Better still, research shows it increases resistance to rutting, cracking, and aging.
LNG-POWERED FLEET.
A new fleet of 21 lorries powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) is driving sustainable logistics at Plant Oxford with 20% lower emissions of CO2 and nitrogen oxides.
DIRECTOR PLANT LEIPZIG.
PETRA PETERHAENSEL.
“Sustainability has many facets – economic, ecological and social. I want to create an awareness that every piece of the puzzle helps, that ideas contribute to sustainability as a whole, even if individually they just have a small impact. For example, we use biodegradable material as packaging. We brought this about in only six months from idea to implementation. Other simple examples are changing over from compressed air to electric grinders in the body shop, or reducing the amount of oil on the sheets in the press shop. Small steps that add up to a lot.”
THE FIRST MINI "MADE IN GERMANY" – BUILT IN LEIPZIG.
Our largest model, the all-electric MINI Countryman is leading the MINI family into an era of locally emission-free electromobility. So it’s only fitting that it is being produced at the BMW Group's production site in Leipzig, one of the most modern and eco-friendly automotive factories in the world. Green energy for its production is provided by four, 190-metre–tall wind turbines positioned directly onsite. And in 2021, 21.9 GWh of electricity was generated from wind power – corresponding to the annual electricity consumption of over 5,000 3-person households.
What’s more, since 2017, electricity has been temporarily stored in a farm of 700 i3 batteries. MINI’s high-voltage batteries are also to be made at the Leipzig plant. It will have eight separate e-component production lines by 2024 – with 1,000 people working just in e-component production.
Leipzig Plant Director Petra Peterhaensel:
“OUR LEIPZIG VISION IS THE COMPLETE DECARBONISATION OF PRODUCTION BY REPLACING FOSSIL FUELS WITH HYDROGEN.”
THE FUTURE IS CIRCULAR.
Many resources are limited, so the economy as a whole must radically change from the “take, make, waste” approach to a true circular economy where nothing goes to waste. MINI is putting a clear focus on circularity principles for the future. So where possible, existing materials and products can be maintained, recycled, repaired and shared, for as long as possible.
FROM SCRAP TO RAW MATERIAL.
Our goal is to do more with less all along the supply chain and throughout our production sites. We aim to increase the proportion of secondary materials in our new models from around 30% at present, to 50%. In order to achieve this, the idea is to develop, among other things, sensor technology using AI-based materials detection and other spectroscopic methods (e.g. laser-induced plasma spectroscopy) that is capable of identifying different steel and aluminum alloys.
SECURE AND TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN.
A transparent supply chain is crucial to ensure that the raw materials used for our MINIs are mined in a sustainable fashion. From source all the way to the manufactured vehicle, we continually work to improve the efficiency and transparency of our supply chains so our resources are obtained in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way.
Ferdinand Geckeler, Senior Expert Sustainable Supply Chain Management
“THIS IS REAL DETECTIVE WORK.”
Ferdinand Geckeler has been in charge of sustainable supply chain management at MINI for the past 13 years, which also means he oversees the responsible manufacture of vehicles. This includes ensuring the supplier network’s compliance with strict environmental criteria and social standards. This may sound banal, but it calls for a detective’s fine instinct, as Geckeler, who lives in Munich, explains.
THINGS WE'RE OFTEN ASKED.
MINI views the circular economy as a key approach for designing more resource-efficient vehicles. The idea is to find the best way to keep materials in the cycle – ensuring resources are not lost but retain their value for long-term use. This opens up an array of opportunities for MINI and the whole industry: Reusing valuable resources in this way can reduce our dependence on critical primary raw materials. It also makes us less dependent on rising raw material prices. What’s more, the use of high-quality secondary materials significantly reduces our vehicles’ carbon footprint.
Our aim is to gradually bring the company closer to the ideal of the circular economy. From raw materials to recycling, we have the entire value chain in our sights – from design for circularity and increasing use of secondary materials for parts and components, all the way to effective recycling of end-of-life vehicles.
The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to equip its cars with tyres using certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon, a wood-based material used to strengthen the tyres. Certification of the rubber plantations and the complex supply chain for natural rubber and rayon takes place in accordance with the strict standards of the independent Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®). The use of tyres made of certified natural rubber is a pioneering achievement, helping preserve biodiversity and prevent deforestation to counteract climate change.
MINI is making raw materials that are considered to be conflict minerals a special focus of its sustainability strategy. This includes ores where mining or trading is often associated with violations of environmental and social standards. Tungsten is an example of this. Today, it can be found in the vibration alarm of mobile phones and light bulb filaments, as well as drill and milling bits for industrial machinery used in producing cars. We have now created a closed-loop material cycle for this unique metal and are collecting old drill and milling bits at our plants in Germany for recycling.
It is a valid question. Hopefully, our answer can do it justice. Here at MINI, we think beyond the needs of modern mobility. Big Love is the optimistic MINI attitude to life, open to all, no driver’s license needed. It drives us forward and guides everything we do – two little words with the power to inspire a world of positive action.
Big Love is seeing the beauty in individuality, and the brilliant potential in new perspectives and creative ways of thinking. It’s why we’ve always been a bit different to the others and welcome all who are a bit different too.
Big Love is a powerful inspiration to do better, to create a brighter future for all of us and the planet too. It’s our motivation to do more with less and constantly innovate, and since day one, ask questions that don’t occur to everybody.
Big Love connects people and creates a powerful sense of belonging; It’s a feeling of being part of something greater than ourselves. And because the journey to a more sustainable and inclusive future is too important to go it alone, we really hope you’ll join us for this ride.
WE'RE ON THE ROAD TO ELECTRIC.
BE PART OF THE CHANGE.
Explore the benefits of embracing the new electric lifestyle. See how much you’ll save, how often you’ll need to charge, and how easy electric driving can be.
MEET THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC MINI FAMILY.
It’s the beginning of a new era. The new all-electric MINI family offers hallmark driving excitement with an all-electric drivetrain and an immersive digital user experience.