Automobiles
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Assessment System
Since FY2002 we have been using this assessment system to evaluate and improve the design of new automobiles.
Design for Reducing
In addition to downsizing and reducing the weight of metal parts, including the body frame, engine and transmission, we have reduced the weight of non-metal parts by using better materials and enhancing the composition of parts.
•Downsizing and reducing the weight of non-metal parts
We reduced the total weight of non-metal parts for the new Stream by more than 7.8 kg. We also made efforts to reduce automobile shredder residue (ASR)* generated from end-of-life vehicles, thus further reducing waste.
* Residue remaining after the removal of metal from dismantled and shredded end-of-life vehicles
Design for Reusing and Recycling
Honda achieved 90% or greater recyclability* for all new models released or updated in FY2007 by implementing the following measures:
* Based on JAMA guidelines
•Standardization of resins (switch to olefin resin)
Highly recyclable olefin resins are used in most injection-molded interior and exterior parts for all new models released in FY2007. Also, material identification marks are displayed on all resin and rubber parts large enough for such labeling.
•Use of recycled materials (resins)
As an example of achievements in FY2007, we used 7kg of recycled resins for the Crossroad.
•Structural design for recyclability
We reduced the number of joints in parts and simplified structures by applying clips and set-in structures for all new models released in FY2007. Also, we standardized parts to facilitate maintenance and improve the recyclability of materials and reusability of parts.
Reducing Use of Substances of Concern (SOCs)
JAMA voluntary reduction targets (new automobiles)
| Target substance | Target period | Details |
| Lead | Starting in 2006 | Amount per vehicle (baseline: 1996) (Automobiles: 10% or less) (Motorcycles: 60 g or less) |
| Mercury | Starting in 2005 | Banned except for some parts (small amounts allowed in discharge headlights and LCD panels for navigation systems) |
| Hexavalent chromium | Starting in 2008 | Banned |
| Cadmium | Starting in 2007 | Banned |
•Using less of four heavy metals
In the production of the Crossroad and other vehicles released in FY2007, we attained the targets for reduced use of the four heavy metals (lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium and cadmium) included in the voluntary reduction targets* set by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA)
* Exceptions provided for in the case of lead and mercury
•Reducing HFC134a Use
We expanded the installation of air conditioners that reduce the use of HFC134a by approximately 10% (baseline: FY1996), using them in 24 out of 28 models. For air conditioners that do not use HFC134a, we have been implementing the following measures since FY2006:
- Gathering information on industry trends and technological developments
- Examining the viability of adopting such air conditioners for automobiles
•Reducing PVC Use
To facilitate the recycling of automobile shredder residue (ASR) in compliance with the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law, we are reducing the use of polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs). By discontinuing the use of PVCs in undercoating and interior and exterior resin parts, we reduced the content of chlorine in ASR to 1% or less in all new models released in FY2007.
