Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Leads Japan with Low-Carbon Recycled Steel for Motorcycle Packaging Frames

• A Major Step Toward Carbon Neutrality with Expanded Use of Sustainable Materials
  

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) has announced a pioneering initiative in Japan by introducing low-carbon, recycled steel sheets produced in electric furnaces as a primary material for the packaging frames used in motorcycle shipments. This move marks the first instance in Japan where steel sheets derived from electric furnaces are utilized for motorcycle packaging frames, according to Yamaha Motor’s research as of July 2024.

The recycled steel sheets are crafted by melting scrap iron in an electric furnace, followed by rolling the molten metal into sheets. This process significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods, which involve smelting iron ore and coke in a blast furnace. Starting in October 2024, Yamaha Motor will begin incorporating these recycled steel sheets, supplied by Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Steel), into its motorcycle packaging frames. The company plans to gradually expand the application of these materials, aiming to increase the proportion of recycled materials used across its packaging operations.

The recycled steel is primarily sourced from scrap iron obtained from demolished buildings, discarded home appliances, and decommissioned automobiles. The material has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its quality, durability, and suitability for use in packaging frames, thanks to a collaborative effort between Tokyo Steel and Yamaha Motor.

This initiative aligns with Yamaha Motor’s broader environmental goals, as outlined in the Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality throughout its supply chains and business activities by 2050. By progressively adopting and expanding the use of green and recycled materials, Yamaha Motor is on track to eventually transition to 100% sustainable materials.

Carbon Neutrality Goals

Yamaha Motor’s efforts to reduce emissions span both its direct business activities (Scope 1 and 2) and those outside its immediate operations (Scope 3). This forward-looking approach underscores the company’s dedication to leading the industry toward a more sustainable future.

Reference: Low-carbon, recycled steel produced in electric furnaces is used for some of the packaging frames for shipping motorcycles