In order to utilize limited resources, we promote recycling conscious design in manufacturing cars.

Advances in Wiring Harness Dismantling
　Wiring harnesses use large amount of copper. If the harnesses can be removed from used cars before they are shredded, the collection and separation of iron and copper will be enhanced and their value as resources will increase.
    We are conducting studies for a harness layout and structure to enable efficient retrieval in a shorter time. The results of these studies are benefitting the 5th LEGACY and following models.

Material Identification Improvement
　It is most important that the materials composing each part can be recognized easily when we recycle. We first started to identify the types of materials used in plastic parts in 1973—even before guidelines for the industry were established. Traditionally, material identification labels were placed on hard-to-see inner surfaces, so the material could not be checked unless disassembled. Now, the identification location has been changed so that parts can be sorted without disassembly before recycling for more efficient operations. From 2001, we changed the bumper material identification positions on all car models, including the LEGACY, IMPREZA, FORESTER, EXIGA, and the BRZ.

In order to reduce the use of VOCs, such as formaldehyde and toluene, which can cause nose and throat irritation, we are revising the substances contained in the components and adhesive agents used in vehicle interiors. In the LEGACY, IMPREZA, FORESTER, EXIGA, and BRZ, we achieved the voluntary target by JAMA*3 by reducing the concentrations of the 13 substances defined by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. And, in the future, we will continue our efforts to reduce the levels of VOCs and such substances to make the environment in vehicle interiors ever more comfortable.

The Act on Recycling, etc. of End-of-Life Vehicles (Automotive Recycling Law) enforced in 2005 obligates car manufacturers to fully remove and appropriately treat "automobile shredder residue,"" CFCs," and" airbags." We joined the "Automobile Shredder Residue Recycling Promotion Team (ART)" particularly to achieve appropriate treatment of shredder residue and promote recycling.
    In the first year after the Automotive Recycling Law enforcement, we achieved a 70% recycling rate compared to the minimum 30% standard specified by the law. In FY2012, we raised this to 93.7%—significantly greater than the minimum legal specification of 50%. These results attribute to the recycling rate improvement measures implemented through the united efforts of the Team and existing recycling facility partners, as well as the rising number of new recycling facility partners.
    The recycling situation in the first half of FY2012 was particularly difficult due to the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. While several major recycling facilities were closed due to significant damage, the Team redirected the shredder residue to other operating facilities and to newly contracted facilities. Through such efforts, the Team managed the abovementioned 93.7% recycling rate, nearly 10% better than the 84.0% result for FY2011.
    In such difficult situations, the Team also realized the zero disposal of" automobile shredder residue" in landfills in May 2011, which was originally our aim for the end of FY2012 (March 2012). We have maintained this record every month since then.
    Along with other car manufacturers, Article 28 of the Automotive Recycling Law applies to us as we handle more than 90% of the automobile shredder residue.
    We will continue to work together with other Team members and manufacturers to improve the recycling rate and contribute further to protecting the global environment.

■ Number of Scrapped Bumpers Collected