Automobiles
3R Assessment System
Since fiscal 2001, we have been using the 3R preliminary assessment system to evaluate and improve the 3R design of newly-developed models.Design for Reduction (Reduction in Waste Generation)
In addition to downsizing and reducing the weight of metal parts, including the body frame, engine, and transmission, we reduced the weight of nonmetal parts by replacing some materials while improving the composition of others.• Downsizing and reducing the weight of nonmetal parts
For the new Civic, we reduced the total weight of nonmetal parts by 10 kg or more. Also, we made efforts to reduce automobile shredder residue (ASR)* generated from end-of-life vehicles as a part of our measures to reduce the generation of waste. * Residue remaining after the removal of metal from dismantled and shredded end-of-life vehicles
• Example (Civic)
Design for Reusability and Recyclability
For all new models newly marketed or changed in fiscal 2005, Honda achieved 90 percent or greater recyclability* by implementing the following measures: * Based on Honda’s criteria, including recovered energy
• Standardization of resin materials (promotion of olefin resin)
For all new models released in fiscal 2005, highly recyclable olefin resins were used in most injection-molded interior and exterior parts. Also, material identification marks are displayed on all resin and rubber parts large enough for such labeling.• Examples of parts for which the use of recyclable materials is standard (new models released in fiscal 2005)
• Bumper face• Instrument panel
• Resin fuel tank
• Door lining
• Under spoiler
• Pillar garnish
• Splash shield
• Tailgate liner
• Wheel inner fender
Others
• Use of recycled materials (resins)
As a representative example for fiscal 2005, we used 10.7kg of recycled resins for the Civic. We will further increase the use of recycled materials in the future.• Structural design for recyclability
For all new models released in fiscal 2005, we reduced the joints of parts and rationalized the structure by applying clips and set-in structures. Also, we standardized parts to facilitate maintenance and improve the recyclability of materials and reusability of parts.• Example (Civic)
Easier dismantling: • Front and rear antilock brake sensorEasier dismantling and disassembly: • Air conditioner (HVAC)
Standardization of parts: • Front disc brake caliper
Reduction in Substances of Concern
• Reduction in the use of four heavy metals
We are striving to reduce the use of four heavy metals (lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and cadmium) that are included in the voluntary reduction targets set by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (JAMA).* In fiscal 2005, we discontinued the use of cadmium, which had been used in minute amounts in electric and electronic parts (e.g., IC chips), as well as lead and mercury.In addition to promoting measures that had been implemented before fiscal 2004, we discontinued the use of hexavalent chromium in zinc and aluminum compound coated parts, with some exceptions. Also, we reduced the use of this substance in chemically treated colored coating (black chromate coating) on plated parts.
* Voluntary reduction targets set by JAMA (for newly developed models)
| Targeted substances | Targeted (implementation) period | Details |
| Lead | In and after January 2006 | Use amount per vehicle (compared with the 1996 level) (Automobiles) one-tenth or below (Motorcycles) 60 g or below |
| Mercury | In and after January 2005 | Banned except for some parts (slightly contained in discharge headlights and liquid crystal panels for navigation systems) |
| Hexavalent chromium | In and after January 2008 | Banned |
| Cadmium | In and after January 2007 | Banned |
• Parts Targeted in Reducing the Use of Hexavalent Chromium
• Reduction in HFC134a
We expanded the application of air conditioners that reduce the use of HFC134a by approximately 10 percent compared with 1995 levels and adopted them in 23 out of 27 models. For air conditioners that do not use HFC134a, we have been conducting the following activities since fiscal 2004;• We are collecting information to understand the industry’s movement and the current level of technology.
• We are examining the adoption of such air conditioners for automobiles.
• Reduced Use of Other Substances of Concern
To facilitate the recycling of automobile shredder dust (ASR) in compliance with the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law, we are reducing the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). By discontinuing the use of PVC in body undercoating and interior/exterior resin parts, we reduced the content of chlorine in ASR to 1 percent or less in all new models released in fiscal 2005 (excluding subcompact vehicles).
Body undercoating without the use of PVC
