A Japanese research team develops vehicle parts from recycled household plastics like wardrobes, marking a breakthrough in sustainable automotive manufacturing.
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| Recycled wardrobes are being transformed into auto parts by a Japanese industry-academic team, advancing sustainability and cutting CO₂ emissions in car manufacturing. Image Courtesy: JN |
TOKYO, Japan — May 18, 2025:
In a pioneering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, Japan has unveiled vehicle interior parts manufactured from recycled household plastics, including discarded wardrobes. The initiative, which includes participation from auto giants like Toyota and Honda, Tohoku University, and the Environment Ministry, marks a major stride toward sustainable automotive production, reads a JN report.
The components will be publicly exhibited later this month, highlighting a significant innovation in the reuse of polypropylene—a commonly discarded household plastic. The project’s success supports Japan’s goals of reducing reliance on imported oil and slashing carbon dioxide emissions through domestic recycling.
At the heart of the initiative is the transformation of everyday items like wardrobes into car interior parts such as glove compartments. These parts meet industry standards for durability, heat resistance, and user experience, including factors like odor and color consistency. The achievement comes after years of skepticism regarding the practical application of recycled plastics in demanding automotive environments.
Ryohin Keikaku Co., known for its MUJI stores, facilitated the collection of wardrobes, while Mitsui Chemicals produced recycled plastic containing 25% reused material. Toyoda Gosei successfully manufactured the glove compartment components using this innovative material blend.
Currently, plastic accounts for about half the volume and 10% of the weight in Japanese-made vehicles, with around one million tons used annually in domestic production for parts such as bumpers and engine covers. Despite this high usage, the application of recycled plastic has remained limited—until now.
The initiative, launched in 2023, reflects Japan’s growing focus on circular economies and environmental responsibility. It aims to develop new auto parts that use everyday plastic waste, especially since many end-of-life vehicles are exported and unavailable for domestic recycling.
Future development is already underway, with prototypes for interior door panels and even exterior parts in progress. Researchers are exploring the use of other discarded items like tofu containers and contact lens cases, though challenges remain in filtering out impurities and ensuring consistent quality.
Globally, regulatory shifts are on the horizon. The European Union is preparing a regulation that would require at least 20% of plastics used in car manufacturing to be recycled by 2031. Japan has set its own target—15% of all auto parts made from recycled plastic—underscoring the urgency of such innovations.
This breakthrough positions Japan at the forefront of sustainable vehicle manufacturing, blending cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship in the pursuit of a greener automotive future.