In response to the "Recycling Initiative" announced by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) which defined targets toward the beginning of 21st century regarding the recyclable ratio of vehicles, Mazda has developed its voluntary action plan.
Mazda's "Voluntary Action Plan for Recycling Promotion" focuses on four main goals:
1. Collection of scrap bumpers throughout Japan
Mazda has been collecting scrap bumpers from Mazda dealers in some areas in Japan. The activity will gradually expand and it will cover all over Japan in the spring of 2000. Mazda is also collecting scrap bumpers from Mazda dealers in Germany.
For further enhancement of plastic recycling, Mazda will increase the use of recycled plastic parts.
2. Improvement in the recyclable rate of vehicles
Mazda will increase the recyclable ratio to more than 90%, beginning with new models introduced after 2002. This will be achieved in part by using dismantling - friendly components, and by separating recyclable materials in plastic parts and integrating them.
3. Reduction in the amount of lead used in vehicles
To reduce the risk of harmful influence at the scrap stage of vehicles, Mazda will halve the total amount of lead used in its vehicles (excluding batteries) compared to 1996, beginning with new models introduced after the end of 2000. This will be achieved by terminating the use of lead in such other areas as battery cable terminals, heater core and radiator. Furthermore, starting with the new vehicles introduced after the end of 2005, the amount of lead will be reduced by a third over 1996 by abandoning the use of lead in electric adhesive paint and fuel tanks.
4. Simplification of the airbag activation process
All new models with airbags introduced after 1999 will feature an onboard system. It will intentionally activate unused airbags before their recycling begins. This can improve both efficiency and safety of vehicle recycling.
In April 1992, Mazda adopted the "Mazda Global Environmental Charter," which outlined Mazda's principles regarding global environmental issues. To reflect these principles in our corporate activities in a more practical way, Mazda introduced the "Action Plan for Environment Protection" in March 1993. Since then, Mazda has been pursuing various environmental initiatives.
Mazda is determined to contribute to promoting recycling activities throughout the automotive industry. As a part of its efforts to increase the recyclable ratio of vehicles, Mazda will cooperate in providing related technical information with parties concerned, including the dismantling industry.
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