Mazda is implementing thorough recycling and waste-reduction measures to ensure that limited resources are used effectively.
Mazda builds resource-saving measures into every phase of the life cycle of its vehicles, based on the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Many limited resources are used to manufacture vehicles, such as steel, aluminum, plastics and rare metals. Mazda established the Recyclable Design Guidelines in 1992, and is incorporating Three Rs design into all vehicles currently under development.
Mazda is steadily increasing the recyclability of its new vehicles, drawing on the following methods.
- Research into vehicle 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 ASR*1 by weight
- *1Automobile Shredder Residue. It refers to the residue remaining after the crushing/shredding of what is left of the vehicle body following the removal of batteries, tires, fluids, and other parts requiring appropriate processing; the removal of engines, bumpers, and other valuable parts; and the separation and recovery of metals.
With the goal of sustainable and efficient use of resources, Mazda became the first automaker in the world to make a practical application*2 of the technology for horizontal recycling of ELV (used and discarded bumpers) into material for new vehicle bumpers.
This horizontal recycling has been implemented for the rear bumper of the Biante in Japan since August 21, 2011 production.
- *2As of August 2011, according to Mazda data [Cooperating companies] Yamako Inc., Takase Synthetic Chemical, Inc.
