Mazda develops automated bumper recycling technology
March 24, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Mazda has developed a world-first recycling technology which enhances the process it uses to recycle used bumpers from vehicles into raw plastic resin for use in new vehicle bumpers.
The new technology is the first to enable recycling of used bumpers from different manufacturers at the same time. Additionally, by automating processes to remove metal attachments, it significantly increases recycling efficiency.
The new recycling technology can recycle all types and makes of bumper, thus removing the need for separate collection systems, and combines all the recycling stages involved in crushing used bumpers through to reproducing raw materials, into a single automated process.
Until now, unwanted materials such as metal attachments had to be removed by hand before the bumpers were visually inspected. These labour-intensive processes were an obstacle to increasing efficiency.
Mazda overcame this by developing technologies to automate the processes in collaboration with Satake Corporation.
Once used bumpers are crushed into pellets, a machine similar to those used to separate contaminants from cereal grains, removes unwanted metal pieces by shaking the pellets and directing airflow over them. In this way, Mazda’s new process enables higher efficiencies to be achieved.
Mazda’s new technology also resolves another limitation of previous methods. Depending on the vehicle manufacturer and age of the vehicle, used bumpers vary considerably in terms of the composition of polypropylene plastic and the paint’s adhesive properties. While this has forced previous systems to treat different bumpers separately, Mazda’s new technology successfully enables all bumpers to be recycled together.
The new process employs a kneading machine which is similar to those used for processing foodstuffs and chemicals such as rubber and plastics. The machine applies a powerful shear force to the crushed bumper pellets, effectively stripping off the paint regardless of the plastic composition or paint properties, and without having to heat the plastic.
Going forward, Mazda will continue to advance development of innovative recycling technologies, including bumper-to-bumper recycling, as it strives towards achieving a sustainable future.
Source: Mazda Media
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Good job Mazda. Now i think this is the right way to go about things, instead of brainwashing people to believe that hybrids are the way to a “greener” future. I like mazda’s efficient production processes, Bio-fabrics, lighter materials and vehicles, higher tensile steel, reduction in precious metals in catalytic converters and now recycled plastics. Well done!
I just hope that this process doesn’t use too much energy.
This is not new technology a company near my work pick up all damaged plastic bumpers from crash shops around Adelaide for recycling and they have been operating for years.
My opinion/comment is the same as Baji’s.
So, Mazda are recycling their bumpers – it’s a start but not earth-shattering news. The following was reported in 2007:
“Volkswagen is the first automaker to receive certification for a newly-developed vehicle from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) confirming an 85 percent recycling ratio and a 95 percent reusability ratio”.
The following (very long) link has additional info:
https://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/medias_publish/ms/content/en/dta/oeffentlichkeit/topics/t2_unternehmen/t8_umwelt/t10_volkswagen-sicon-verfahren.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.acq/ctx-pressetext,fmt-pressetext,mod-all,pid-1/index.html
Totally agree with Baji, Mazda doing PRACTICAL, environmentally sustainable processes and actually being green. Not using MORE precious resources and then calling themselves green unlike a certain other manufacturer….cough..Toyota..cough..cough