Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. will begin using low-carbon, recycled steel sheets produced in electric furnaces for motorcycle packaging frames. This marks the first time in Japan that such steel sheets are used for this purpose, according to Yamaha Motor’s research as of July 2024.
These steel sheets, manufactured by Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Steel), are produced by melting scrap iron in electric furnaces and rolling them into sheets. Compared to conventional steel made from iron ore and coke smelted in blast furnaces, these recycled materials produce significantly less CO₂. Starting in October 2024, Yamaha Motor will incorporate these recycled steel sheets into its packaging frames, with plans to gradually increase their usage.
The recycled steel is sourced from scrap iron derived from demolished buildings, discarded home appliances, and scrapped automobiles. Its suitability for packaging frames has been validated through a collaborative effort between Tokyo Steel and Yamaha Motor.
“This initiative aligns with our Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050,” a Yamaha Motor representative stated. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its supply chains by 2050, transitioning to 100% sustainable materials. Yamaha Motor is committed to adopting and expanding the use of green and recycled materials.