Mazda is actively promoting the development and use of easily recyclable parts and materials, and is working to improve the recyclability of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).
In general, approximately 80% (by weight) of each ELV can be recycled–materials that can be recycled include steel, aluminum, and other metals. The remaining 20%, which is mostly plastics and glass, is shredded.
Mazda is improving the recyclability of new vehicles by promoting the following initiatives.
- Research into automobile design and dismantling technologies that simplify dismantling and separation, to make recyclable parts and materials easier to remove
- Use of easily recyclable plastics, which constitute the majority of shredder residue by weight
Mazda is collaborating with recycling contractors in projects to research the ease with which vehicles can be dismantled.
Research and development staff are looking at how the task of dismantling is carried out at recycling contractors’ sites, and are using the resultant information to improve ease-of-dismantling for Mazda cars in the product development stage. The all-new Mazda Axela (known overseas as the new Mazda3) uses an easy-to-dismantle construction and easily recyclable materials for its wire harness and bumpers.
Mazda is actively engaged in recycling plastic automobile parts. We focus in particular on recycling bumpers, and have created bumper-to-bumper recycling technology for these large plastic parts. This technology is used to recycle damaged bumpers for reuse as material for new bumpers.
Thanks to this technology, we have been using recycled bumpers*1since March 2005, and we are gradually expanding the number of car models using recycled bumpers.
Additionally, in March 2009 we developed the world’s first automated technology for recycling bumpers from old cars, in which the entire process, from pulverization of bumpers from ELVs to recycled material production, is automated. This enables the simultaneous processing of discarded bumpers from different manufacturers, formerly considered to be a difficult task. It also enables automation of the removal of metals and other materials, making recycling even more efficient than before.
Not only can this technology be used for all types of bumpers, regardless of manufacturer or collection channel, but it also constitutes an advanced technique that automates the entire series of processes from pulverization of bumpers from ELVs to recycled materials production.
- *1Recycled material content is 30% or less. The percent of recycled material used varies depending on the amount of damaged bumpers collected, etc.
Mazda is involved in initiatives to recycle materials from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). For example, we are collaborating with three sheet-glass manufacturers and eight automobile manufacturers*2 on research to verify the usefulness of technology for recycling glass from ELVs into raw material for glass for new vehicles. In FY 2008, we verified that ELV glass can be recycled into glass for use in vehicles, roadbed material, and a water purification material.
Mazda is also considering initiatives to recycle plastic parts into materials for use in parts for new vehicles.
- *2Mazda, Isuzu, Suzuki, Nissan, Nissan Design Engineering, Fuji Heavy Engineering, Mitsubishi Motors, Mitsubishi Fuso
