Japan
Sustainability Data Book 2024| 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-oflife 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 (waste reduction). Under the policy of “Sho-Sho-Kei Tan-Bi (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty),” Suzuki is promoting reduction of waste generation 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.
Efficient use of resources
● Adopting plant-derived resin (bio polycarbonate)
Suzuki is adopting bio polycarbonate resin (bio PC), which is primarily made of plant-based 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, we have developed the second-generation material with improved shock resistance and the third-generation material with better shock resistance and appearance design, increasing models using bio PC. In 2021, it was adopted for the S-CROSS front grille (exterior part) sold in Europe, and in FY2023 it was adopted for louver garnish and steering wheel garnish of the Spacia. In FY2023, its use amounted to 257 tons/year for all models combined.
Suzuki will continue to expand the adoption of bio PC by using these materials and technologies for forming and molding pre-colored resin materials.
Spacia
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 Swift)
■ Major components using recyclable resin materials
(Example: Interior of the new Swift)
● 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 is 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 GSX-S1000GX shown below.
New GSX-S1000GX
TopicsSuzuki launches new Jimny-themed mugs made from sustainable cellulose material
On June 27, Suzuki began selling Jimny-themed mugs made from cellulose on its S-MALL official e-commerce website.
This product sets a precedent in terms of its use of sustainable materials and also marks the first time Suzuki has used cellulose in its lineup of genuine Suzuki-branded apparel.
Cellulose is one of the main components of plants and is also used as a raw material for paper. It has attracted attention as a material that helps reduce environmental impact given that it is a renewable and highly degradable material. Cellulose-based fibers (cellulose fibers) are lightweight, highly durable, and well-suited for eco-friendly product manufacturing.
Suzuki embraces the value and potential of cellulose and is accordingly offering this product to a wide range of users, including Jimny owners and outdoor enthusiasts, as a practical item for everyday use. The Jimny mugs are carefully crafted items created by in-house designers.
Suzuki will focus its efforts on developing eco-friendly products as it continues to actively engage in initiatives toward achieving a sustainable society going forward.
Detailed information
| Product name | Jimny cellulose eco-friendly mug |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥1,650 (tax inclusive) |
| Design | 3 designs (rhinoceros, Jimny front, Jimny side) |
Jimny-themed mug made of cellulose
(available in 3 colors × 3 designs)
Back of the mug
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 then, we had disposed of small used lithium-ion batteries that have some life remaining, but this technological development made it possible to reuse the batteries from 10 end-of-life vehicles to power a solar streetlight.
A total of 12 streetlights have been installed at 2 Company locations thus far (head office and Marine Technical Center). Going forward, we plan to successively increase the number of locations where these streetlights are installed particularly within the Company.
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 FY2023 (from April 2023 to March 2024) is as follows.
• Collection and recycling of ASR
Our ASR recycling rate was 96.5% in FY2023, and since FY2008, we have continuously achieved the legal standard enacted in FY2015 (70% or higher). We have achieved a vehicle recycling rate of 99.3%*3.
We are promoting the collection and recycling of ASRs through ART*4 formed by 12 automobile manufacturers, etc. (as of March 31, 2024), 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
Our airbag recycling rate was 97.3%, 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 69.5 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 of End-of-Life Automobiles”
- *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)
https://www.suzuki.co.jp/about/csr/recycle/index.htmll
● 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 tackles 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 (EU2023/1542) effective from August 2023, we are promoting measures such as 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 FY2023, approximately 74,000 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.
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 FY2023, a total of 27,300 batteries were collected.
For more details of collection and recycling of used lithium- ion batteries, access the following website. (Japanese language only)
https://www.suzuki.co.jp/about/csr/recycle/traders/#area2
• Collection and recycling of used lithium-ion batteries overseas
In Europe we have 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. We will also comply with the collection and recycling system in accordance with the EU Battery Regulation (EU2023/1542), which took effect in 2023, replacing the Battery Directive.
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-oflife 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 FY2023 was 97.8% on a weight basis, achieving the recycling rate target of 95%.
For more details, access the following websites.
- Suzuki’s voluntary motorcycle recycling efforts (Details)
(Japanese language only)
https://www1.suzuki.co.jp/motor/recycle/index.html - Japan Automobile Recycling Promotion Center
(For motorcycle recycling)
https://www.jarc.or.jp/en/motorcycle/
■ Trends in the recycling rate of Suzuki motorcycle products (from FY2010 to FY2023)
●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.
- Suzuki Voluntary Efforts for FRP Boat Recycling System
(Japanese language only)
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 encompasses the head office, Iwata Plant, Kosai Plant, Osuka Plant, Sagara Plant, Hamamatsu Plant, and the Tooling Dept.
Reduction of waste materials
● Total waste discharge amount
The total amount of waste discharge at Suzuki and domestic manufacturing subsidiaries was 151,000 tons (up 9% from the previous fiscal year), and the global total of generated waste, including from Japan, was 435,000 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 (Head office, Iwata Plant, Kosai Plant, Osuka Plant, Sagara Plant, Hamamatsu Plant, and Tooling Dept.), 4 domestic manufacturing subsidiaries, and 6 overseas manufacturing subsidiaries (in India, Indonesia, and Thailand)
● Reduction of landfill amount
In FY2023, while Suzuki and domestic manufacturing subsidiaries achieved a zero-level* landfill amount of 0.1 tons, the global landfill amount was 5 tons (up 1.38% from the previous fiscal year). Recycling of all waste materials has been initiated in India. We have also achieved substantial reduction in landfill waste globally.
Looking ahead, we will maintain zero-level landfill waste amounts in Japan and 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 (Head office, Iwata Plant, Kosai Plant, Osuka Plant, Sagara Plant, Hamamatsu Plant, and Tooling Dept.), 4 domestic manufacturing subsidiaries, and 6 overseas manufacturing subsidiaries (in India, Indonesia, 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, corrugated cardboard boxes, etc. In FY2023, 160 tons of paper waste was 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 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 1,605 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 2024, the total amount of plastic reduction has reached approximately 64 tons.
Biodegradable materials and paper used as plastic substitute materials for packaging of outboard motor spare parts
Biodegradable material (left) and paper material (right)
Adopted plastic substitute materials for (1) to (7) for outboard motor packaging and product packaging
● Use of returnable containers: Reuse of corrugated cardboard boxes
<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. Moreover, we have implemented reuse (recycling) of used corrugated cardboard with respect to our domestic parts centers.
In FY2023, returnable containers were used in approximately 35.6% of all shipping, which reduced approximately 176.6 tons of corrugated cardboard.
Returnable containers
Reused 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 1.4 tons of corrugated cardboard waste in FY2023.
Reuse of corrugated cardboard
● Reducing plastic packaging materials
With respect to polyethylene bags for packaging used in shipping spare parts, we are using returnable bags in our domestic parts centers to eliminate the use of polyethylene bags. Additionally, we have introduced lightweight biomass plastic bags made from plant-based materials to reduce the weight of packaging.
In FY2023, we reduced our use of polyethylene bags by 2.8 tons.
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.
India has a large number of cows, and cow dung, a dairy waste product, contains methane, which has a greenhouse effect 28 times that of CO2 over a 100-year period when it is released into the atmosphere. We will prevent the release of methane into the atmosphere through an automobile fuel (biogas fuel) production and supply business that uses cow dung as the raw material.
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 preventing the release of methane into the atmosphere and achieving carbon neutrality but also to solving social issues such as revitalizing farming communities, creating new jobs, recycling waste, improving energy self-sufficiency and forming a recyclingoriented society. In the future, we have a view toward rolling out this program in other regions, such as dairy farming regions in Africa, ASEAN countries, and Japan.
Contributing to both achieving carbon neutrality and economic growth in emerging countries like India, where Suzuki is the market leader of the automobile market, is a great demonstration of the concept of the Paris Agreement, which requires collaboration between developed countries and emerging countries in reducing CO2 emissions. We believe that we can contribute to our stakeholders throughout the world.
TopicsSuzuki to reduce petroleum-based plastic in outboard motor packaging
— Combines biodegradable material “Green Planet™” with corrugated cardboard to solve issue —
Suzuki Motor Corporation has adopted “Green Planet™” (hereinafter, Green Planet) as an alternative to polystyrene foam used for cushioning in the final packaging of outboard motors, in an effort to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics. Green Planet is a biodegradable polymer developed by Kaneka Corporation that is easily decomposable in seawater and is 100% biomass- derived polymers.
In switching to an alternative to polystyrene foam, it was necessary to maintain the same cushioning performance as the conventional polystyrene foam during packaging and transportation. Therefore, Suzuki developed a two-layer structure of corrugated cardboard partition shapes to supplement the cushioning performance of Green Planet, ensuring the same cushioning performance as the conventional polystyrene foam.
To address the environmental issue of marine plastic waste, Suzuki launched the “Suzuki Clean Ocean Project” in 2020 and has been working to reduce the use of plastic in packaging materials.
As a result, the amount of petroleum-based plastic used in the final packaging of outboard motors produced in Japan was 43 tons annually in FY2020, but it was reduced to 6.3 tons annually by FY2023. The company aims to reduce this amount to zero by FY2026.
In addition, Suzuki will convert the packaging materials for all products, starting with the packaging cushioning materials for outboard motors.
Suzuki will continue to strive for reducing environmental impact and continue efforts towards environmentally conscious initiatives and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
