Honda has been a sustainability leader in the global automotive industry for many years. The company introduced CVCC engines in the early 1970s to reduce smog-causing emissions, produced its first battery electric cars in the 1990s, and hydrogen fuel cell electric cars in the early 2000s. I did. Both used innovative technology to reduce or reduce emissions. Eliminates emissions from the exhaust pipe of the vehicle in use.
But what about the environmental impact of a product at the end of its useful life?
As part of Honda’s ambitious goal to reduce the environmental impact of its products and operations to zero by 2050, Honda is committed to resource circulation, collecting used products and recycling or reusing 100% of materials. We are working on creating new products.
Building a circular society supports the company’s goals of achieving carbon neutrality, 100% clean energy use, and 100% resource recycling.
Achieving resource circulation requires significant innovation in product design, end-of-life recovery, and procurement of parts, goods, and services to reduce environmental impact.
Resource circulation design
Product design is central to Honda’s resource recycling activities.
Here, the company takes a holistic view of sustainability, choosing materials and creating design elements that prioritize longevity and recyclability. This is especially important because 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined during the initial design stage.
“Honda’s commitment to sustainable materials goes beyond using recycled plastics and other reusable materials. It’s about rethinking the entire product lifecycle,” said Honda’s Head of Indirect Procurement. Matthew Daniel says: “Designed with consideration to disassembly and maintainability, [ease of maintenance]We envision reusing or recycling everything we purchase, from vehicle parts to forklifts in our factories, to reduce our environmental footprint and create new business value. ”
Maximize service life
Honda reviews the entire scope of its corporate purchases to maximize the useful life of the items it purchases while avoiding unnecessary purchases.
According to Daniel, the process starts with the simplest questions. “Do I need to buy this product at all?” If I do, can I buy less? If not, can I buy it in a different, more sustainable configuration? These three questions This will allow you to develop specifications that will help you achieve the rest of your strategy. ” he says. “This includes maximizing service life and, if possible, creating a second or third life for the raw material before it is reused.”
Honda has collaborated with GEP, a leading global provider of procurement and supply chain solutions, to realize and accelerate its sustainability goals. “Honda’s approach to sustainability is focused on embedding the right strategies into every aspect of the business, especially sourcing and supply chain,” said Vengat Narayanasamy, Vice President of Consulting at GEP. states.
“Honda’s comprehensive view of resource circulation, from design to end-of-life management, ensures that we not only meet our environmental goals, but also set new standards for the industry.” Narayanasamy says. “Additionally, our focus on creating and purchasing products that are durable and repairable means that the products we purchase and manufacture can last longer, reduce the need for new resources, and reduce waste.” It will be done.”
By minimizing the extraction of unused resources, Honda is contributing to the conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. At the same time, reducing waste through circular practices helps reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Transforming the procurement process
Honda is focused on more than direct material sustainability. The company spends billions of dollars a year on indirect goods and services and is also focused on resource recycling in this area. Extending the life of purchased items such as IT hardware, equipment, and office furniture can reduce overall capital expenditures.
However, purchasing sustainable products can initially increase capital investment, so the success of such resource circular initiatives depends on finding solutions that maximize sustainability and protect profitability. The goal is to find out.
“From an operational perspective, our goal is to maintain purchased indirect goods for as long as possible, at the highest possible value, and recover them for reuse,” says Daniel.
Honda is working to create a resource recycling center that has three functions.
The first is a command center that sets policy, tracks effectiveness, and streamlines corporate operations.
The second is physical work focused on dismantling end-of-life assets and recycling essential raw materials such as steel, aluminum and copper.
The third function, “Second Life Lab,” explores new ways to reuse used indirect items. A prime example of this effort is Honda’s current effort to convert old factory worker uniforms into insulation for use in car assembly.
“By incorporating sustainability into every aspect of our business operations, Honda is not only achieving our goals, but setting new standards for what is possible in the realm of sustainable practices.” Narayanasamy he says.
A blueprint for a sustainable future
Honda’s commitment to resource recycling is more than just a commitment to sustainability; it’s a bold step toward reimagining the future of the auto industry.
Leveraging the expertise of partners like GEP, Honda is pioneering new standards in sustainability.
This is a clear message to the industry. To drive meaningful change, we need to embrace circularity.
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