Tokyo, Japan – Honda and Nissan are building supply chains for recycled plastics, Nikkei has said in a recent article. By doing this, it will make their vehicles greener and comply with expected new European regulations.
Plastic is an essential material in automobile production. It can be found in bumpers, interior components and other parts. Under a 2023 proposal by the European Commission, at least 25 percent of a new vehicle’s plastic would have to be recycled plastic. This regulation would take full effect as early as 2031, raising the spectre of noncompliant new vehicles being barred from sale in the European Union.
Honda aims to partner with chemical manufacturers and recycling companies to create a supply chain for recycled plastic by around 2040. This would result in decreasing the types of plastic used in new cars by around 60 percent to around six or seven, facilitating the sorting process at recycling stations.
Honda will obtain the help of Mitsubishi Chemical Group and Toray Industries to turn the plastic that has been collected into material suitable for use in autos since impurities could affect the strength. The partners hope to develop and commercialize technologies for improving the quality of recycled plastic to a level on par with already existing products.
Others in the auto industry are also looking to use recycled plastic. Nissan and their partner, Renault, will launch an initiative to recycle plastic from scrapped electric vehicles for use in new autos assembled in Europe. Nissan will consider investing in a Renault recycling unit, with such details as the size of the investment to be ironed out later.
Toyota Motor has set a target of having recycled plastic account for 30 percent or more of the plastic used in new vehicles made in Japan and Europe, by weight, by 2030.
Higher costs present a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of recycled plastic auto parts. Typically, recycled plastic is reported to be between 50 percent to three times more expensive than conventional plastic. An increase in the use of recycled plastic could potentially reduce automakers’ profit margins.
The Japanese government will support this effort by launching a public-private entity as early as September. With the Environment Ministry acting as coordinator, this group is expected to comprise around 10 organizations, including the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association – of which Toyota and Honda are members – and the Plastic Waste Management Institute.
