Yamaha Motor First to Use Green Aluminum in Japanese Motorcycles

Rhea-AI Summary

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 7272) has begun using green aluminum in its motorcycles, marking a first in Japan. This initiative started in February 2023 following an agreement with an aluminum ingot supplier. Green aluminum is refined using renewable energy, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions during production. Currently, aluminum parts make up between 12% and 31% of motorcycle weight, and using green aluminum is a key strategy for reducing overall emissions. Yamaha aims for carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2050, targeting 100% sustainable materials.

Positive

• Initiated use of green aluminum, first in Japanese motorcycles.
• Aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, supporting sustainable practices.
• 80% of aluminum usage is already recycled, enhancing environmental commitment.

Negative

• None.

- Will gradually adopt low-carbon aluminum in the drive toward carbon-neutral materials -

IWATA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 7272) announced today that it has reached an agreement with an aluminum ingot supplier for the procurement of green aluminum, and began using it as a raw material for parts in Yamaha motorcycles in February 2023. This is the first time for green aluminum to be used in Japanese motorcycles and the Company plans to gradually expand its usage in models going forward.

Models and parts to employ green aluminum in the future (Photo: Business Wire)

“Green aluminum” is aluminum that is refined using renewable energy sources to emit less CO₂ in its manufacture. Aluminum parts account for 12% to 31% of the total vehicle weight of a motorcycle, so adopting green aluminum is one effective approach for reducing CO₂ emissions from the raw material manufacturing part of a product’s life cycle (falls under Scope 3 Category 1 emissions for supply chains).

Through the development of its engineering and production technologies and expertise, Yamaha Motor has actively pushed the use of recycled aluminum, which now comprises some 80% of the Company’s aluminum usage. This introduction of green aluminum is meant to complement this and will be employed for parts that still cannot be manufactured with recycled materials. As a first step, Yamaha Motor will utilize green aluminum for certain parts in its large-displacement and off-road competition motorcycles, and the Company plans to expand the number of models using the material in the future as available supply volumes allow.

In line with the Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050, the Company is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality 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, such as adopting more plant-derived resin materials, developing recyclable polypropylene, and adopting green materials and other recycled materials for its motorcycles manufactured in Japan and overseas.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230302005379/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 green aluminum and why is Yamaha using it?

Green aluminum is aluminum refined using renewable energy, reducing CO₂ emissions. Yamaha uses it to lower the environmental impact of its motorcycles.

When did Yamaha Motor start using green aluminum?

Yamaha began using green aluminum in February 2023.

What is Yamaha's goal for carbon neutrality?

Yamaha aims for carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2050.

What percentage of Yamaha's aluminum usage is recycled?

Approximately 80% of Yamaha's aluminum usage is from recycled sources.

In which motorcycle models will Yamaha use green aluminum?

Yamaha plans to use green aluminum for certain parts in large-displacement and off-road competition motorcycles.