Toyota’s European operations has announced the establishment of an exciting new vehicle recycling initiative called Toyota Circular Factory (TCF). Its aim is to create multiple centres around Europe that will provide careful and systematic processing of vehicles at the end of their life to maximise the environmental benefits of recycling, repurposing and remanufacturing.
Toyota Manufacturing UK’s production facility in Burnaston, Derbyshire — home of the UK-built Corolla — is delighted to have been selected as the first of such TCF centres. When activities begin there during the third quarter of this year, the plant will set the benchmark for Toyota’s future recycling operations across Europe and worldwide. But how will it work?
Toyota Circular Factory: three key processes
TCF processing focuses on three key areas: reusable parts, components that can be remanufactured, and materials that can be recycled. Following a comprehensive validation process, reusable parts will be reintroduced to the market through retailers or distributors. Components such as batteries and wheels will be assessed for their potential remanufacture, repurposing or recycling. TCF will also recycle raw materials such as copper, aluminium, steel and plastic, which could replace virgin materials in the production of new vehicle parts.
How many end-of-life cars will Burnaston be able to recycle?
It is anticipated that the TCF at Burnaston will initially recycle around 10,000 vehicles a year. This will recover 300 tonnes of high-purity plastic and 8,200 tonnes of steel, among other materials, plus is expected to give new life to 120,000 parts.
Similar operations will then be rolled out across Europe, each of which will follow the pattern of excellence set by Burnaston. And Toyota doesn’t plan to stop at its own facilities either — there is an eagerness to collaborate with other organisations who share a passion for sustainability and commitment to carbon neutrality.
Aligning with the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050
With the Toyota Circular Factory initiative, Toyota aims to significantly reduce future emissions associated with vehicle and sub-component manufacturing. It sets a new industry benchmark for responsible recycling and material reuse, aligning with the fifth step in Toyota’s six-part environmental challenge of establishing a recycling-based society and systems to support this goal.
Toyota’s European operations is committed to being fully carbon neutral by 2040 and achieving carbon neutrality in all its production facilities by 2030. By 2035, Toyota plans to have 100% CO2 reduction across its European product line-up.
Learn more: Identifying the six steps in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050
