Toyota said it’s developed a system to recycle its vehicles and their parts to incorporate them back into its production of new units.
The Japanese automaker calls the system the Toyota Circular Factory, whose first location is in Derbyshire, England, with a planned operation starting in the third quarter alongside the plant’s production of new Corollas.
It said the inaugural plant operation “aims to become the centre of excellence for future recycling operations across Europe and worldwide.”
The concept will be divided among harvesting of reusable parts to be sold through retailers and parts distributors; commodities, such as batteries and wheels, that can be remanufactured, repurposed or recycled; and materials including copper, steel and plastic to be used “as much as possible” to make parts for new vehicles, Toyota said.
“With this initiative, Toyota aims to significantly reduce future environmental impact associated with the manufacturing of vehicles and sub-components,” the company said in a press release. “This effort not only aligns with company’s global and European sustainability objectives but also sets a new industry benchmark for responsible recycling and material reuse.”
