Yamaha Motor Adopts Newly Developed Eco-Friendly Recycled Polypropylene as a Raw Material

Rhea-AI Summary

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a breakthrough in eco-friendly materials by developing a high-quality recycled polypropylene (PP) for motorcycle bodywork. This initiative starts with the 2023 commuter models targeted at the ASEAN market. The new PP material is sourced exclusively from pre-consumer materials, ensuring no hazardous substances are present.

PP constitutes about half of the resin materials used in Yamaha's motorcycles, making it a significant raw material. The newly developed material boasts enhanced strength and aesthetic quality, which aligns with Yamaha's commitment to sustainability under its Environmental Plan 2050. The company aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, with a goal of using 100% sustainable materials across its supply chain.

Positive

• Development of high-quality, eco-friendly recycled polypropylene enhances product sustainability.
• Increased strength and aesthetic quality of the new material compared to conventional recycled options.
• Yamaha aims for 100% sustainable materials by 2050, aligning with environmental goals.

Negative

• None.

- Efforts to employ more carbon-neutral raw materials beginning with ASEAN market commuter models -

IWATA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7272) announced today that the Company has succeeded in developing a high-quality and environmentally friendly recycled polypropylene (PP) material which can be used for the main exterior bodywork for motorcycles. The Company will begin using the new raw material with the main 2023 commuter models for ASEAN markets.

Example application of the eco-friendly recycled polypropylene material with the GEAR125 for the Indonesian market (Graphic: Business Wire)

This eco-friendly recycled PP material is made only from pre-consumer materials^*1 with a traceable manufacturing history and no risk of containing environmentally hazardous substances, such as purging compounds^*2 and scraps generated in the production processes of petrochemical and molding manufacturers.

Resin materials are often used for the exterior bodywork of motorcycles, and PP materials account for about half of these parts, making it a major raw material for the Company. Yamaha Motor has been driving the development and the use of recycled PP in its products for some time now, but this newly developed material offers even higher levels of strength and quality looks compared to conventional recycled materials. It can also be used for areas requiring greater aesthetic appeal.

With the use of this eco-friendly recycled PP going forward, the Company plans to raise the usage ratio of such recycled materials in motorcycles and gradually adopting the material in other product categories as well.

In line with the Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050, the Company is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality^*3 throughout all of its business activities—including its entire supply chain—by 2050. To realize this, the Company has set a goal of switching to 100% sustainable materials by 2050, and will expand its efforts to adopt green and other recycled materials for its products.

*1 Raw materials supplied for use in recycled materials that have not seen use by consumers
*2 Intermediary materials produced during resin synthesis
*3 Emissions as a direct result of business activities (Scope 1 and 2) and emissions outside of these (Scope 3)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230411005440/en/

Ayuko Kobayashi

Corporate Communication Division

Global PR Team

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

TEL: +81(0)538-32-1145

ymc_pr@yamaha-motor.co.jp

Source: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

FAQ

What is Yamaha Motor's new eco-friendly material?

Yamaha Motor has developed high-quality recycled polypropylene (PP) for motorcycle bodywork.

When will Yamaha start using the new recycled material?

Yamaha will begin using the new recycled material with the 2023 commuter models for the ASEAN market.

What are the goals of Yamaha's Environmental Plan 2050?

Yamaha aims for carbon neutrality and plans to switch to 100% sustainable materials by 2050.

How does the new PP material compare to conventional options?

The new recycled PP material offers higher strength and better aesthetic quality than conventional recycled materials.