By David Spielhagen, senior engineering associate, Engineered Materials, UL Solutions
Change is no longer the exception in today’s automotive industry. It is now the operating model. Material substitutions, growing use of recyclates, supplier changes, late design updates and evolving sustainability targets are transforming change management from a project phase into a continuous discipline.
As a result, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier‑1 suppliers working under Mercedes‑Benz standards, such as DBL 1224 (Interior) and DBL 1232 (Exterior), are challenged to introduce change without disrupting approvals, production stability or series performance.
This is where DBL-compliant testing becomes a strategic life cycle capability. A capability that benefits from long‑term collaboration to support controlled, data‑driven change throughout the product life cycle.
From SOP gatekeeper to life cycle enabler
Traditionally, testing has been a milestone activity: validate the material, release the component, pass the standard operating procedure (SOP). However, reality follows a different path. After an SOP is reached, the real complexity begins:
- Raw material formulations are adjusted due to supply constraints
- Recyclate content increases to meet sustainability targets
- Tooling or manufacturing locations change
- Suppliers are replaced or dual‑sourced
- Requalification becomes necessary under DBL expectations
Each of these changes can introduce both technical and approval risk. Without structured, traceable, DBL-aligned data, even minor changes can trigger delays, lead to questions from OEM quality teams or create costly iteration loops.
A modern change management approach requires continuous access to reliable testing data and should be aligned with DBL logic and accepted by OEM stakeholders. UL Solutions Krefeld Performance Material Center of Excellence (CoE) laboratory supports this shift by embedding testing into the full material and component life cycle rather than isolating it to development projects.
DBL standards as a framework for managing change
DBL 1224 and DBL 1232 provide test requirements and define a decision-making framework through:
- Application types (AA)
- Graduated testing scopes
- Clear differentiation between development, release and requalification use cases
For supplier quality, engineering and sustainability teams, this structure is essential. It allows material or process changes to be assessed based on impact rather than assumption.
A well-equipped testing and certification laboratory will apply this DBL framework consistently, whether the task is initial validation, recyclate qualification or series reapproval following a supplier or material change. The result is comparability of data over time, which is critical when managing change under ongoing production conditions.
One provider across interior and exterior, development and series
As a Center of Excellence for plastics testing, UL Solutions Krefeld laboratory performs a wide range of DBL 1224- and DBL 1232-relevant tests, from early material characterization to component testing under series-representative conditions.
While interior and exterior components face different load profiles, the testing and documentation logic remains consistent. We leverage this overlap to create test strategies that:
- Reflect the actual application and approval pathway
- Avoid redundant testing during changes or requalification
- Develop documentation ready for approval submission, aligned with the OEM’s specific guidelines
Our integrated approach becomes especially valuable when changes blur traditional boundaries. Examples include when interior components are exposed to elevated UV load, thermal stress or media exposure due to design evolution or new vehicle concepts.
Managing material and supplier changes without losing momentum
The following typical change scenario illustrates the value of a life cycle testing provider:
A Tier‑1 supplier introduces a material change to increase recycled content while maintaining an existing DBL approval. Rather than restarting qualification from scratch, we support the supplier by:
- Mapping the change against the original DBL application type
- Defining a targeted, risk-based test scope
- Producing standard-compliant plaques and specimens for comparison
- Executing mechanical, thermal, aging and media resistance testing
- Delivering traceable documentation ready for approval submission
The outcome is both a test report and decision-relevant evidence. This allows OEM and supplier teams to move forward with greater confidence, even under time pressure.
The importance of neutral, accredited data for change management
In change discussions, data credibility is crucial, whether driven by cost, sustainability or supply chain resilience. Neutral, accredited test results reduce subjectivity and create alignment between development, quality and procurement stakeholders.
UL Solutions’ role as an independent, third-party testing service provider confirms that:
- Data stands up to OEM scrutiny
- Decisions are based on evidence, not interpretation
- Requalification discussions are accelerated rather than stalled
With sufficient capacity to support both development and series-related activities, our services can provide a stabilizing factor when change is unavoidable.
Rethinking testing as a strategic function
DBL-compliant testing is a technical necessity and a strategic enabler of resilience. Companies that treat testing as a life cycle capability are better positioned to:
- Adapt to material and regulatory change
- Maintain approvals during sustainability transitions
- Reduce risk when suppliers or processes evolve
- Keep production stable without compromising quality
A skilled testing and certification provider such as UL Solutions can help you recognize this strategic positioning by working alongside supplier quality teams, change managers and sustainability leaders during project peaks and throughout the entire product life cycle.
Conclusion
Managing material changes under DBL standards requires more than compliant test execution. Foresight, continuity and a counterpart that understands the reality of change in series production can add value throughout the process.
The UL Solutions Krefeld Performance Materials Center of Excellence takes a life cycle-oriented approach to DBL-compliant testing, and supports OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers from development through SOP and beyond. In an industry defined by constant transformation, this working model can help turn testing into a source of stability, confidence and long-term value. To learn more about our team and our testing and certification services, visit us on UL.com/automotivematerials.
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