Yamaha Motor First in Japan to Use Recycled Steel for Bikes

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a pioneering initiative to incorporate low-carbon, recycled steel sheets from electric furnaces into its motorcycle packaging frames. This marks a significant industry first in Japan. The company plans to progressively expand the use of this sustainable material across its packaging operations, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and circular economy principles.

These steel sheets are made from recycled materials by melting scrap iron in an electric furnace and rolling them into sheets. Unlike traditional materials produced from iron ore and coke smelted in a blast furnace, this process generates significantly less CO2. Beginning in October 2024, Yamaha Motor will start using these recycled steel sheets from Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Steel) for its motorcycle shipment packaging frames. The company plans to progressively expand the use of these recycled materials, increasing the proportion of recycled content in its packaging frames over time. This initiative aligns with Yamaha Motor's commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

The steel is primarily sourced from scrap iron obtained from demolished buildings, discarded home appliances, and scrapped automobiles. Its material characteristics, quality, and suitability for use in packaging frames have been thoroughly tested and validated through a collaborative effort between Tokyo Steel and Yamaha Motor. This partnership ensures that the recycled steel meets the necessary standards for durability and performance, making it an ideal choice for Yamaha Motor’s packaging frames and supporting the company’s sustainability initiatives.

In accordance with its Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050, Yamaha Motor is striving to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain and business activities by 2050. As part of this commitment, the company is focusing on transitioning to 100% sustainable materials. Yamaha Motor is actively working to adopt and increase the use of green and recycled materials, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability. This initiative not only supports their carbon-neutrality goals but also demonstrates their proactive approach to reducing environmental impact through innovative material use.

Yamaha Motor's initiative to use low-carbon, recycled steel sheets from electric furnaces for motorcycle packaging frames marks a significant step towards sustainability. By sourcing steel from scrap iron, such as demolished buildings and discarded appliances, the company significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional blast furnace methods. This innovative approach, a first in Japan, aligns with Yamaha Motor's Environmental Plan 2050, aiming for carbon neutrality across its supply chain and operations by 2050. Through its collaboration with Tokyo Steel, Yamaha ensures the quality and durability of these materials, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility and the adoption of green, sustainable practices.