Japan
Sustainability Report 2023| Suzuki Environmental Vision 2050 | Milestone 2030 | |
|---|---|---|
| Resource circulation |
Promote reducing, recycling, and proper treatment of wastes from production activities and products through globally applying recycling technologies and systems developed in Japan by 2050 |
By 2030:
|
Basic concept
The consumption of natural resources is increasing globally due to worldwide population growth and economic growth of emerging countries. If this continues, resource depletion caused by large-scale mining and environmental pollution due to increased waste from mass consumption may become more serious. In particular, there is great concern regarding the future depletion of useful resources such as rare metals used in secondary (rechargeable) batteries for propulsion of electric vehicles, and there is a need to recycle these resources. Furthermore, for regions that do not have adequate systems for the disposal of end-of-life vehicles, there are concerns that this could easily lead to illegal dumping and improper disposal of vehicles and parts, which would cause various problems such as environmental pollution and health hazards due to the leakage of dangerous substances. In light of this situation, Suzuki will focus not only on its own products, but also on creating a system to safely collect and process recyclable resources from end-of-life vehicles without impacting the environment.
Efforts in product use
Efforts in design and development
Efforts in reducing
● Continuation of designs aimed at reducing materials
Among the 3Rs, the first priority should be reducing (emission reduction). Under the policy of “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty),” Suzuki is promoting reduction of emissions by thoroughly reducing materials used and reducing weight.
For example, for exterior parts, we made front and rear bumpers and front and rear fender linings thinner.
●Adopting plant-derived resin (bio polycarbonate)
Suzuki is adopting bio polycarbonate resin (bio PC), which is primarily made of plant-derived isosorbide, for automobile parts. In doing so, we are contributing to efficient use through the adoption of petroleum-free raw materials. Bio PC produces great color, and by coloring the resin material, it creates an appearance equivalent to that of painted resin, thereby enabling the reduction of CO2 and VOCs by eliminating the painting process.
Bio PC was first adopted for the interior color panels of the first-generation Hustler in 2014, and since then, it has been adopted for interior parts of the Lapin, Spacia, WagonR, Jimny, Swift, XBEE, and the second-generation Hustler. It was also adopted for the S-CROSS front grille (exterior part) sold in Europe. Since its adoption in the first-generation Hustler, a second-generation material with improved impact resistance and third-generation material with both impact resistance and enhanced appearance have been developed, and the number of models in which the material is used has expanded. In 2022, the total for all models was 120 tons/year.
Suzuki will continue to expand the adoption of bio PC by using these materials and technologies for forming and molding pre-colored resin materials.
Jimny
S-CROSS
Efforts in recycling
●Adoption of recyclable resin materials
Automobile manufacturing that takes recycling into account (recyclable design) is an important initiative in vehicle design.
Suzuki always tries to create eco-friendly vehicles, such as by employing easy-to-recycle materials for exterior and interior resin parts.
■ Major components using recyclable resin materials
(Example: Exterior of the new Solio)
■ Major components using recyclable resin materials
(Example: Interior of the new Solio)
● Design with consideration for recycling
We consider recyclability from the design and development stage for new vehicles, and we are working to create vehicles that are simple to dismantle and disassemble.
● Development and design with consideration for weight reduction
In the new GSX-8S, the frame is 13% lighter and swingarm 30% lighter than the previous model GSX-S750 in the same category, due to the use of optimal pipeline and pipe sizes.
Moreover, we also reviewed the shape and thickness of the wheels, resulting in a 2% reduction in weight combined for the front and rear wheels compared to the previous model GSX-S750.
● Adoption of recyclable resin materials
Suzuki is making efforts to incorporate recycling in the design and development of motorcycles. We use easily recyclable PP resin materials in the exterior parts of the new V-STROM 800DE shown below.
New V-STROM 800DE
Efforts for end-of-life vehicles
Efforts in end-of-life vehicle collection and recycling
Efforts in reusing
● Rebuilt parts (reused parts) for repair*
In order to use natural resources effectively and reduce the financial burden on customers, Suzuki deals with rebuilt parts for automatic transmission, including CVT.
* Rebuilt parts are parts that are removed and collected at the time of repair; the parts are refurbished by replacing any damaged or worn sections, and then undergo final inspections.
● Development of reuse technology for used lithium-ion batteries
From the launch of the WagonR in September 2012 onward we have promoted the reuse of lithium-ion batteries in vehicles equipped with the Mild Hybrid system, and developed a technology for secondary use (reuse) of used lithium-ion batteries collected from end-of-life vehicles to power solar street lights.
Until now, we have disposed of small used lithium-ion batteries that have some life remaining, but through this technological development, now it is possible to reuse the batteries from 10 end-of-life vehicles to power a solar streetlight. This technology paves the way for reuse of small used lithium-ion batteries, which will be generated in increasing quantities in the future.
We will first establish reuse technology and systems for lithium-ion batteries used in Mild Hybrid vehicles, subsequently connecting them to reuse initiatives for lithium-ion batteries used in HEV and BEV.
Efforts in recycling
● Efforts to comply with recycling laws in Japan
• Efforts to comply with the Automobile Recycling Law
In accordance with the Automobile Recycling Law*1 enacted in January 2005, we collect and recycle shredder scraps (ASR*2), airbags, and CFCs from end-of-life vehicles.
Implementation in FY2022 (from April 2022 to March 2023) is as follows.
• Collection and recycling of ASR
Our ASR recycling rate was 96.7% in FY2022, and since FY2008, we have continuously achieved the legal standard enacted in FY2015 (70% or higher). We have achieved a vehicle recycling rate of 99.4%*3.
We are promoting the collection and recycling of ASRs through ART*4 formed by 12 automobile manufacturers, etc. (as of May 31, 2023), including Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, working together with recycling companies nationwide for the purposes of complying with regulatory requirements, properly disposing of waste, increasing recycling rates, and reducing disposal costs.
■ Trends in the ASR recycling rate and vehicle recycling rate
• Collection and recycling of airbags and CFCs
In FY2022, our airbag recycling rate was 95.4%, and since FY2004, we have continuously achieved or fulfilled the legal standard (85% or higher). The amount of CFCs that we collected and disposed of was 68.6 tons. For the collection and recycling of airbags and collection and disposal of CFCs, Suzuki and all manufacturers organized the Japan Auto Recycling Partnership for working together with recycling companies throughout the nation. In order to make continuous efforts to further promote end-of-life vehicle recycling, we will design easy-to-recycle products, conserve and effectively use resources, reduce waste, reduce the cost of recycling, and establish a stable recycling system.
- *1 Automobile Recycling Law: Formal name “Act on Recycling, etc. of End-of-Life Vehicles”
- *2 ASR: Automobile Shredder Residue
- *3 Calculated as the percentage recycled up to the dismantling and shredding processes (approximately 83%, quoted from the May 2003 joint council report), plus the remaining ASR ratio of 17% multiplied by the ASR recycling rate of 96.7%
- *4 Abbreviation for Automobile shredder residue Recycling promotion Team
Please refer to the following website concerning our automobile recycling initiatives
(Japanese language only)
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/about/csr/recycle/index.html
● Efforts for recycling overseas
In India, Maruti Suzuki India established Maruti Suzuki Toyotsu India Private Limited, a joint venture with the Toyota Tsusho Group for proper dismantling and recycling of ELVs, ahead of legislation being passed, and started operation of a model facility for proper disposal of ELVs in October 2021. It aims to reduce illegal dumping of vehicles and parts and also tackle environmental issues including global warming and soil and water contamination.
In the European Union, according to the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELV Directive: 2000/53/EC), and the Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC), we are promoting the collection and recycling of ELVs and batteries, etc. in accordance with the laws, regulations, and conditions of each country.
In addition, we provide information on the dismantling of new automobile models to disposal companies in a timely manner through the International Dismantling Information System (IDIS), which is jointly organized by automobile manufacturers. Moreover, in accordance with the EU’s Reusability, Recyclability, and Recoverability Directive (RRR Directive: 2005/64/EC), it is required that new vehicles shall be recyclable to a minimum of 95% as a condition for receiving the type approval of motor vehicles. To satisfy the requirements of the directive, we were audited by an authorized auditing agency on our systems and structures for collecting material data and verifying substances of concern. As a result, we acquired a Certificate of Compliance (COCom) in August 2008 and RRR Directive approval for all of our vehicles sold in Europe. Then, due to the revision of the European RRR Directive (2009/1/EC), we were audited again by an authorized auditing agency and obtained a new COCom in October 2011, which has been renewed every other year since then, and our new models have received type approval based on the revised Directive.
● Voluntary recycling efforts
• Efforts for recycling of bumpers
In an effort to use resources more effectively, we have been collecting and recycling used bumpers that have been removed from automobiles by distributors at the time of repair or replacement. Initially, used bumpers were collected from distributors in their original form. Since 2000, however, they have been collected after being shredded by bumper shredding machines, which have been installed at distributors nationwide (with some exceptions). Additional bumper shredding machines were introduced or added in FY2012. As a result, the volume of the bumpers at the time of transportation was reduced to one-sixth of the previous volume, allowing for a reduction of logistics-related CO2 emissions due to efficient transportation. At present, collected bumpers are recycled and reused to produce automotive parts such as fuel filler hose covers, side deck insulator covers, battery holders, engine undercovers, and foot rests. In FY2022, approximately 79,000 used bumpers were collected.
Examples of parts using recycled materials derived from replaced bumpers
Fuel filler hose cover of the Carry
Side deck insulator cover of the Carry
● Recycling of batteries
• Collection and recycling of used lithium-ion batteries in Japan
Lithium-ion batteries are employed by models using the low fuel consumption technologies ENE-CHARGE, S-ENE CHARGE, Mild Hybrid, and Hybrid. Since launching the WagonR equipped with ENE-CHARGE in 2012, Suzuki has been working to recycle used lithium-ion batteries by establishing a system to collect and properly dispose of used lithium-ion batteries when disposing of those vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries. In October 2018, in conjunction with the start of a free collection system for lithium-ion batteries with the Japan Auto Recycling Partnership as the point of contact, Suzuki joined the collection system and has been collecting and properly disposing of used lithium-ion batteries. By FY2022, a total of 19,197 batteries were collected. For more details of collection and recycling of used lithium-ion batteries, access the following website. (Japanese language only)
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/about/csr/recycle/battery/index.html
• Collection and recycling of used lithium-ion batteries overseas
In Europe we launched the Ignis, Swift, Vitara and S-CROSS equipped with the SHVS Mild Hybrid system that uses lithium- ion batteries, and the Vitara and S-CROSS equipped with a strong hybrid system.
We have built a system for collecting and recycling used lithium-ion batteries according to the EU’s Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC), and the laws, regulations, and conditions of each country.
In India, we have launched SHVS-equipped models such as Ciaz, Ertiga, and XL6, and Maruti Suzuki India has established a collection and recycling system for used lithium-ion batteries.
● Regarding voluntary motorcycle recycling efforts
Our voluntary motorcycle recycling efforts were launched in October 2004, with the participation of four domestic motorcycle manufacturers and three importers (as of July 2023). These efforts have established a recycling system that is in line with the actual distribution of motorcycles in Japan and involves the disposal, scrapping, and recycling of used motorcycles. In October 2011, we began the collection of motorcycles at the time of disposal free of charge. End-of-life motorcycles are taken back at end-of-life motorcycle dealers and designated collection centers throughout the nation for the convenience of our customers. These motorcycles are then collected at 13 scrapping/recycling facilities nationwide, where they are dismantled, shredded, and sorted. Those that can be used as recycled materials are reused, while other waste materials are properly disposed of. Suzuki’s recycling rate in FY2022 was 97.8% on a weight basis, achieving the recycling rate target of 95%.
For more details, access the following websites.
- For more details on Suzuki’s voluntary motorcycle recycling efforts, access the following website. (Japanese language only)
http://www1.suzuki.co.jp/motor/recycle/index.html - For details of the Japan Automobile Recycling Promotion Center, access the following website.
(For motorcycle recycling)
https://www.jarc.or.jp/motorcycle
■ Trends in the recycling rate of Suzuki motorcycle products
(from FY2010 to FY2022)
●Voluntary efforts for recycling FRP* boats
Suzuki actively participates in a program called the “FRP Boat Recycling System” voluntarily promoted by the Japan Marine Industry Association together with seven other major manufacturing companies.
The “FRP Boat Recycling System” has been developing nationwide since 2007 in order to prevent inappropriate scrapping of boats due to their product characteristics (such as large size, long life, and used nationwide yet small in volume) and to facilitate such scrapping for users. In the “FRP Boat Recycling System,” scrapped FRP boats collected at a designated collection center are roughly disassembled. Then, FRP scraps are transported to an intermediate processing plant, further scrapped, sorted, and finally baked to make cement, thereby carrying out recycling (material thermal recycling). This system is certified by verification tests conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and realizes a recycling system at low cost by collecting, disassembling, and scrapping FRP boats over a wide area.
* FRP (Fiber-reinforced plastic)
For details, please see the following websites
(Japanese language only).
- Suzuki Voluntary Efforts for FRP Boat Recycling System
https://www1.suzuki.co.jp/marine/marinelife/recycle/index.html - Japan Marine Industry Association
(Guide for FRP Boat Recycling System)
https://www.marine-jbia.or.jp/recycle/index.html
Efforts in business activities
Efforts in production
■ Flow of waste, etc.* (1,000 tons/year)
* Waste, etc.: Combination of waste and recyclable materials
Note: The scope of aggregation is domestic plants.
Reduction of waste materials
● Total waste discharge amount
The total amount of waste discharge at Suzuki and domestic manufacturing subsidiaries was 138,000 tons (up 5% from the previous year), and the global total of generated waste including Japan was 414,000 tons. Also, there are no exports/ imports of hazardous wastes as specified in the Basel Convention.
■ Trends in total global waste discharge amount
[Scope of aggregation]
Suzuki (Iwata Plant, Kosai Plant, Osuka Plant, Sagara Plant, Hamamatsu Plant, former Takatsuka Plant (until July 2018), former Toyokawa Plant (until July 2018), and Tooling Plant),
4 domestic manufacturing subsidiaries, and 6 overseas manufacturing subsidiaries (in India, Indonesia, and Thailand)
● Reduction of landfill amount
In FY2022, while Suzuki and domestic manufacturing subsidiaries achieved a zero-level* landfill amount of 0.1 tons, the global landfill amount was 361 tons (up 10% from the previous year).
Looking ahead, we will maintain zero-level landfill waste amounts in Japan and promote a conversion to recycling at our overseas plants.
■ Trends in global landfill amount
- * Definition of the zero-level
-
- Plants and Tooling Dept. in Japan: The total amount of landfill waste is less than 0.5% of the amount in FY1990 (24,675 tons).
- Domestic manufacturing subsidiaries: The total amount of landfill is less than 0.5% of the amount in FY2002 (1,370 tons).
[Scope of aggregation]
Suzuki (Iwata Plant, Kosai Plant, Osuka Plant, Sagara Plant, Hamamatsu Plant, former Takatsuka Plant (until July 2018), former Toyokawa Plant (until July 2018), and Tooling Dept.),
4 domestic manufacturing subsidiaries, and 5 overseas manufacturing subsidiaries (in India and Thailand)
Efforts in office activities, etc.
At Suzuki’s head office, generated paper waste was previously burned for thermal recycling (reused as heat energy). Since July 2005, however, material recycling has been conducted, instead of thermal recycling, through separate collection of office documents, newspapers and magazines, cardboard boxes, etc. In FY2022, 160 tons of paper waste were recycled.
Response to the Plastic Resource Circulation Act
Suzuki has been recycling 100% of industrial waste from plastic products since 2001, and will continue 100% recycling in the future.
Going forward, in conjunction with efforts to reduce waste generation, we will promote material recycling through thorough rigorous separation of waste and aim for a recycling style where waste can be used again as raw materials for Suzuki products.
Efforts in the supply chain, etc.
Efforts in transportation
Efforts to reduce waste
● Reducing plastic from outboard motor products and spare parts packaging
To reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from our business activities, in 2020 we commenced activities to reduce the amount of plastic packaging of outboard motors and spare parts. These activities were undertaken while first considering (1) whether we can stop using plastic, followed by (2) whether we can reduce the amount of plastic use, and (3) whether we can change to a material with minimal environmental load. Starting from September 2021, we changed a portion of the product packaging material from plastic material to rayon, paper and biodegradable materials. We have also changed the packaging for spare parts of 661 products from plastic materials to paper and biodegradable materials since we started these activities in October 2020. From the beginning of the activities until March 2023, the total amount of plastic reduction has reached approximately 34 tons.
Paper used as a plastic substitute material for packaging of outboard motor spare parts Plastic material (left) and paper material (right)
● Use of returnable containers
<Reduction in weight of packaging materials such as corrugated cardboard used for shipment of spare parts>
We are pursuing the use of returnable containers in our domestic shipping of spare parts.
In FY2022, returnable containers were used in approximately 34.1% of all shipping, which reduced approximately 133 tons of corrugated cardboard.
Reuse and recycling efforts
●Reuse of waste materials
We reuse waste material produced in plants to make cushioning materials in order to prevent damage to spare parts during transportation.
We reused approximately 1.3 tons of corrugated cardboard waste in FY2022.
Reuse of corrugated cardboard
Recycling dairy waste
Suzuki, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Suzuki R&D Center India Private Limited, signed a three-party MOU with the Indian government agency National Dairy Development Board and Banas Dairy, Asia’s largest dairy manufacturer, to establish a biogas production plant to contribute to India achieving carbon neutrality.
Rural areas in India have a large number of cows, and cow dung, a dairy waste product, contains methane, which compared over a 100-year period, has a greenhouse effect 28 times that of CO2, when it is released into the atmosphere. We will use this methane and prevent its release into the atmosphere and instead use cow dung containing the methane in an automobile fuel (biogas fuel) production and supply business.
This biogas fuel is a carbon neutral fuel for use in CNG vehicles, in which Suzuki vehicles hold an approx. 70% share of the Indian CNG vehicle market. In addition, residue from the biogas can also be used as organic fertilizer, which contributes to the promotion of organic fertilizers.
By expanding this initiative throughout India, we believe we can contribute not only to suppressing the release of methane into the atmosphere and achieving carbon neutrality but also to revitalizing farming communities, creating new jobs, recycling waste, improving energy self-sufficiency and forming a recycling-oriented society. In the future, we have a view toward rolling out this program in other regions, such as dairy farming regions in African or ASEAN countries.