Tokyo, March 3, 1998 - In June 1992 Honda issued its corporate policy on the environment, committing itself to make all corporate activities contribute actively to the protection and conservation of the environment. As part of its program to conserve resources and lower the environmental impact of its activities, Honda has determined that making its automobiles as recyclable as possible at every stage of development, manufacture and disposal is an important goal. To this end, the company has endeavored to design greater recyclability into all its products, while also striving to recycle and reuse materials within its manufacturing plants as much as possible. Honda has also developed ways of recycling parts used for repair and technologies to support greater recycling of post-use vehicles. Honda's policy towards post-use vehicles is that as many of its materials and parts should be able to be recycled prior to shredding - so that materials can be reused and conserved, and the amount of waste being sent to landfills can be kept to a minimum.
Honda's future recycling program plans commit it to making further progress in this important area, so that all parts of a Honda automobile's life cycle - from research and development right through to production, sales, and final disposal - are carefully designed with the conservation of resources and reduced environmental impact in mind.
Main Goals/Activities of Honda Recycling Program
(1) Recyclability of new cars and use of lead (by weight)
- Recyclability: over 90% by 2000
- Use of lead: cut to less than half of its current value by the end of 2000, and to less than a third by the end of 2003
(2) Specific targets/activities
- 1.New automobiles
- Consolidation of raw materials used to raise recyclability (polypropylene and related plastics)
Exterior materials: 6 types --> 3 types
Interior materials: 5 types --> 3 types - Expanding the application of code-numbered plastic components:
components larger than 100g --> components larger than 5g
- 2.In-use vehicles and models now in production
- Technology for regenerating plastics:
- Polypropylene and related plastics for bumpers, etc.
Repair-exchange bumpers --> continue development across Japan
Post-use recyclable bumpers --> beginning this year - PVC and other plastics used for interior panels, etc.
Reuse PVC in pallets
Use as artificial wood
- Disassembly technologies
Car-disassembly mount, Harness winding machine: development complete
Glass recovery equipment, other machines: in development
- Remaking/remarketing businesses (reusing and selling usable parts):
As an initial step in this area, Honda will start reconditioning and selling five parts that have a relatively high remarketing value (drive shafts, power steering gearboxes, power steering pumps, distributors, and water pumps). - Building up a car disposal network:
Aiming to promote appropriate disposal practices and boost recycling of post-use vehicles, Honda is beginning experimental programs limited to specific regions.
(3) Recycling program with motorcycles
- 1.Recyclability of over 90% for all new vehicles: already achieved
- 2.Use of lead in new vehicles by weight (excepting batteries)
The amounts of lead used are extremely small (with scooters around 14 g), but further efforts are being made in this area. - 3.Recyclability
- Expanding the application of code-numbered plastic components:
Components larger than 100g --> components larger than 5g - Making seat coverings out of thermoplastics
(4) Reuse technologies for materials
- Use recyclable polypropylene for 12% of plastic parts.
