KPI
-
Item
Ratio of environmentally friendly products to all products handled
-
FY 2016 results
(Consolidated) 98.9%
-
FY 2017 results
(Consolidated) 100.0% *
*Certain products for which production is outsourced are not included.
Item
Reuse and recycling ratios for used products and packaging materials
FY 2016 results
(Consolidated)
Used products
Tires 52%
MB 56%
Packaging materials 98%FY 2017 results
(Consolidated)
Used products
Tires 54%
MB 57%
Packaging materials 97%
Responsible Departments
Product development and planning division
Supervised by the Environmentally Friendly Product Committee
Stance and Target
Why is “Environmentally Friendly Products” a critical issue to be addressed?
Explanation of the reason and background
LCA (life cycle assessment) refers to the method used to understand the environmental load (CO2 emissions) in numerical data of each stage of the product lifecycle from production to disposal. In the case of tires, which are the core products of the Yokohama Rubber Group, 80–90% of CO2 emissions take place during the usage period of the life cycle. For this reason, the Yokohama Rubber Group is focusing on coming up with environmentally friendly products to realize low fuel consumption.
Policies and stance relating to products and services
In accordance with the basic stance set forth in Yokohama Rubber Environmental Policy, and Yokohama Rubber Group Action Guidelines,the Yokohama Rubber Group will work to prevent global warming, effectively use resources, and consider and improve chemical substance management in order to minimize the burden of products and services provided by the Yokohama Rubber Group on the environment. In addition, we will provide environmentally friendly products with improved safety and quality (performance) to customers.
Vision
We aim to make 100% of product sold environment friendly products, and improve environmental performance based on social demands.
Measures for vision achievement
In order to become a top-level environment friendly company, we aim to make all products environment friendly products.
We will not only reduce emissions of greenhouse gases through products, but also work to ensure safety and comfort through means such as resource recycling, resource savings, and the reduction of chemical substances contained in our environment friendly products. For new products, because we conduct environmental assessments at the beginning of the development process and have a framework under which development is not allowed if products do not clear our Environmentally Friendly Products Regulations*, all new products that are released are environmentally friendly products.
* Environmentally Friendly Products Regulations: The Yokohama Rubber Group defines environmentally friendly products as newly developed products for which the average score of the four items of global warming prevention, resource recycling, resource conservation, and safety and comfort exceeds 5%, and for which the score for any of these items has not deteriorated.
Four Pillars of Environmental Function and Environmental Performance Evaluation Index
Review of FY 2017 Activities
The ratio of environmentally friendly products for the Yokohama Rubber Group was 100.0%, and percentage for the fuel efficient tires lineup was 52%.
A performance assessment was not conducted for the degree of environmental contribution and environmental impact in the development of environmentally friendly products.
In terms of the improvement effects, 87% of standard passenger vehicle tires manufactured in Japan were fuel efficient tires, and CO2 emissions were reduced by approximately 734 thousand tons for GHG emissions at the stage of product use (Scope 3) indirectly emitted through the supply chain.
Introduction of Initiatives
Resin Adhesive (WS-242/AN-1)
There is a growing trend for automotive manufacturers to make more extensive use of plastic materials, in order to reduce vehicle weight. However, unlike metal plate, plastic components cannot be welded, and in the past plastic adhesives have also required the use of primers to be effective.
Yokohama Rubber has succeeded in developing primer-less adhesive technology, and has launched a new adhesive product made from vegetable oil which features this technology.
This new adhesive product facilitate the use of plastic components in automotive manufacturing, which in turn contributes to reducing the burden on the environment by making it possible to reduce vehicle weight by around 40%.
High-pressure Hydrogen Gas Hoses (ibar HG82)
For hydrogen infrastructure to be successfully deployed in society, the availability of durable, lightweight, flexible hoses that can withstand high pressures is an important prerequisite.
Yokohama Rubber has developed a new hose specification that features a reinforced hybrid hose structure utilizing PBO fiber (Polybenzoxazole fiber) and steel wire, and has launched new hose products that meet the requirements outlined above.
Fuel-efficient Tires (BluEarth RV-02)
Yokohama Rubber’s BluEarth RV-02 tires were designed specifically for use on mini-vans, with a design concept that emphasizes fuel efficiency and good rain performance. The tire design effectively counters the problem of uneven wear that tends to affect tires on high vehicles, and also provides first-class noise performance; the tires have attracted positive comment because the reduced noise makes it possible to enjoy a relaxed conversation inside a mini-van.
Issues and Future Improvement Measures
One issue is the handling of old products that are difficult to replace with new products due to promises made to customers. The development and planning departments for each product will formulate implementation plans aimed at achieving 100% environmentally friendly products, and we will conduct activities aimed at achieving our goals, which include an adjustment of the product structure, the development of lighter products through design review, and changes in manufacturing methods aimed at environmental improvements.