Recycling Technologies |
Technologies improve recycling |
Regulations related to vehicle recycling are making progress in Japan and Europe and automobile manufacturers are obligated to develop products that take recycling into consideration. Mitsubishi Motors is going forward with not only Recycling, but also development that actively incorporates the other 2Rs from the 3Rs, namely Reduce and Reuse. In particular, based on recycling design guidelines, we thoroughly handle reduction of material types, applications for recycle-friendly materials, easy to dismantle structures, recycled material use, and separate markings to distinguish between materials all from the design concept stage.
(1) Easy to Dismantle Structures |
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In the past, plastic bumpers themselves were difficult to take off since metal reinforcement materials were used to ensure rigidity. In addition, it was also necessary to separate the metal reinforcement material for recycling purposes. In new vehicles, metal reinforcement materials are no longer necessary since high-rigidity plastic materials for bumpers have been developed and installation structures have been optimized to improve recyclability.
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 Lancer Wagon Front Bumper
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(2) Recyclable Materials |
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Mitsubishi uses recycle-friendly thermoplastics for almost all its plastic components inside and outside the vehicle like the bumper, radiator grill, and instrument panel. In addition, we are advancing with the active introduction of recycle-friendly thermoplastic elastomers for difficult to recycle rubbers used up to now in engine hoods and tailgate weather-stripping.
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 Colt Recyclable Plastic Parts
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(3) Use of Recycled Materials |
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Bumpers replaced at dealers are put on palettes at plastic recycling manufacturers and component manufacturers recycle them into components like battery covers, wheel housing covers, center ducts, and filler neck protectors.
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 Bumper Recyclable Material Application Example
(center duct, filler neck protector) |