Mazda claims it is the world’s first automaker to successfully recycle bumpers from old, written-off vehicles, turning them into new bumpers ready for re-use.
Currently Mazda is using the technology in Japan to manufacture rear bumpers for its Biante model minivan. About 10 per cent of the composition of each new Biante rear bumper is comprised of recycled old bumper plastic.
Other automakers are breaking down bumpers and integrating the re-used plastic with new plastic to make components such as underbody paneling but Mazda is the first to use re-cycled plastics in an area visible from the street.
To reach this stage, Mazda started designing bumpers in the 1990s with a view to future recycling. This meant easy dismantling and using appropriate combinations paint, adhesive properties and polypropylene plastic.
As well as bumpers from so-called ELVs (end-of-life-vehicles), Mazda has for some time been collecting from its dealers damaged bumpers which have been replaced to return a customers’ vehicles to the road.
