Measures to Reduce Environmental

Impact
Vehicle Lifecycle and Environmental Impact
Vehicles affect the environment in various ways throughout
their lives. The entire vehicle lifecycle and principle relationships with the environment (input and output) at each stage
are shown below. MFTBC works hard to reduce environmental impact for the entire lifecycle of its products. Concrete
steps being taken are explained in the following pages.
Parts and materials
suppliers

Environmental Performance

Environmental
Performance

P28
Parts
Iron 193,000tt
Aluminum 2,980t
Lumber 313t
Chemicals 1,132t

Treated properly
by contractors

Procurement

Environmental
concerns
Main flow

P29 - P32
Input / year

Completed vehicles
178,000 units
CO2 117,000t
NOx 11.0t
Chemicals 310t
Landfill waste 2.4t

Energy
2.441015J
Industrial water
1,089,000 m3

Output / year

Production

Recyclable materials

P33 - P34
Energy
Packing materials

Parts
CO2
Waste

Logistics
P21 - P27

P35
Energy

CO2 2,127

R&D

Sales

Used and recycled parts

P21 - P27
Energy

CO2 x
CO HC
PM Noise

Priority items

Use (R&D)

P36
Fluorocarbon
Airbag
ASR
(Automobile
Shredded Residues)
Priority items

Treated properly
by contractors

Recycling

20

Research and Development

Environmental Performance

Prevention of Global Warming: Improving

fuel economy
Recognizing that improving fuel economy is its primary product issue, MFTBC has worked on developing various
advanced technologies. In April 2006, the fuel-efficiency
standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) in 2015 came into
effect, the first in the world. These are strict standards, requiring overall improvement in fuel efficiency by 12% by FY2015,
compared with FY2002. In addition to the Canter Eco
Hybrid, which had a model change in June 2007, some
models of the heavy-duty truck Super Great and all models
of the heavy-duty buses Aero Queen and Aero Ace have
met the standards.

VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger

A turbocharger forces air into an engine using a turbine powered by exhaust gas, and conventionally does not perform
well at low engine speeds. By introducing a movable vane to
guide the exhaust gas, the VG turbocharger ensures sufficient air induction from low speeds upward.
Exhaust

Actuator
Guide vane

Turbine

Target Average Fuel Efficiency of Heavy-Duty Vehicles

(vehicle gross weight over 3.5t) in FY2015

VG turbocharger

Cargo vehicle

Improved by
12.2

FY2015 target 7.09km /R

369.6g-CO2/km
FY2002 performance 6.32km /R
414.6g-CO2/km

Bus

FY2015 target 6.30km /R

416.0g-CO2/km

Improved by 12.1

Intercooler
High-temperature air pressurized by the turbocharger is
cooled. This increases air density and reduces combustion
temperature and exhaust emissions while increasing fuel
efficiency.

FY2002 performance 5.62km /R

466.3g-CO2/km
Turbocharger

8
km/R

Air intake

Radiator

Outside
air

Sources: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT)

Intercooler

Estimated values on the assumption that units shipped by category

in FY2015 would be the same as in FY2002.

Engine

Intercooled-turbocharged engine

Sticker for HDV meeting FY2015 fuel efficiency standard

(1) Direct-injection diesel engine technology

Direct-injection diesel engines offering outstanding fuel
efficiency and durability have traditionally been used for
trucks and buses. To further improve the fuel efficiency of
truck and bus engines, use is additionally made of VG turbo
chargers and intercoolers to provide sufficient air for combustion from low speed upward, and of electronically controlled,
common-rail fuel injection systems, the cooled EGR system,
and MFTBCs original MIQCS1 combustion system, ensuring a proper mix of fuel and air to improve combustion
efficiency.

MIQCS
This new combustion system simultaneously maintains the
airflow in the combustion chamber at an appropriate level,
and mixes air and fuel through high-pressure injection from
multi-port injection nozzles, achieving both greater fuel
efficiency and lower exhaust emissions. The system received
the "Technology Development Award" from the Society of
Automotive Engineers of Japan in 2002.

MIQCS combustion

1 MIQCSMitsubishi Innovative Quiescent Combustion System. See text for details.

21

Conventional combustion

(5) Reducing aerodynamic drag

MFTBCs vehicles have traditionally had low Cd2, meaning
low aerodynamic drag. Heavy-duty trucks released in 2007
have larger front openings to ensure adequate cooling of the
engines. But as this alone tends to raise the Cd, changes in
designs the shapes of front panels, bumpers and steps
were guided from the beginning of the process by Computer
Aided Engineering (CAE) systems, and Cd equivalent to or
less than conventional vehicles were achieved.

Environmental Performance

(2) Idling Stop & Start system

A system that automatically shuts the engine off when a
vehicle is not in motion (e.g., at traffic lights) and automatically restarts it is an effective way to reduce fuel consumption
and exhaust emissions. City buses and trucks traveling
mostly on regular urban routes are fitted with such idling
stop & start systems, either standard or as options.
Also, cold-storage rear coolers and parking heaters using the
heat from the hot engine coolant heating or cooling for the
interior compartment when stopped, without running the
engine are available, combining environmental protection
with consideration for the driver.

(6) Reducing tire rolling resistance

To further improve fuel efficiency, MFTBC increasing uses
low-resistance tires.
[Ultra-low-aspect single tires]
Launched in February 2004, large public-service buses powered by a series-type hybrid propulsion system offer
improved fuel efficiency through the use of ultra-low-aspect
single rear tires, which are lighter and roll with less resistance
in comparison with conventional double tires.

Cold-storage rear cooler

(3) Fuel-efficient driveline

A fuel-efficient driveline combining a seven-speed directdrive transmission and low final gear is employed on many
heavy-duty truck models, reducing power lost in the driveline
and contributing to fuel efficiency.
(4) INOMAT1 mechanical automatic transmission
The INOMAT-, without a clutch pedal, is available on
MFTBCs light- and medium-duty trucks. INOMAT reduces
fuel consumption via electronic control that optimizes gear
selection and shift timing so as to maintain driving within the
envelope of efficient engine performance. It also helps
reduce driver fatigue by optimizing shift timing via fuzzy
control according to the drivers preference. On heavy-duty
trucks, the Eco S/W setting provided further fuel efficiency.
We continue to make improvements to the technologies,
such as control systems, in order to make driving even more
comfortable.

Ultra-low-aspect tire

(7)Supporting users with tips on improving

fuel efficiency
[Website for fuel-efficient driving]
Tips for truck and bus owners on how to improve fuel
efficiency are also clearly explained on our website.

INOMAT shift pattern

(medium- and heavy-duty trucks)

Reverse

N
D

Neutral

Upshift

Drive

Website on energy-saving for driving

http://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/jp/index.html

Downshift

Advantages of an INOMAT vehicle

Ideal economy of driving
Fuel-efficient regardless of driving skill
Economy of mechanical transmission through minimized power loss
Easy of an automatic transmission
Smooth driving via the latest fuzzy control
Comfortable ride with a minimum of transmission jolts
INOMAT automatic cruising is standard

1 INOMATIntelligent & Innovative Mechanical Automatic Transmission with fuzzy control.

2 CdCoefficient of Drag. The smaller the number, the lesser air resistance

22

Research and Development

Environmental Performance

[Eco-fleet system to improve fuel efficiency and

support safe driving]
Pursuant to the revised Energy Saving Law1 effective from
April 2006 and the Safe Driving Management measure
effective from October 2006, carriers primarily, along with
shippers using trucks, are required to implement energypreservation measures.
MFTBC strongly supports realization of fuel-efficient driving,
promotion of safe driving and improvement in operation
management, and to those ends it developed a transport
management system called Fuso Eco-fleet, jointly with
Datatec Co., Ltd. That system, launched in April 2007, offers
comprehensive support to users endeavoring to comply with
the revised Energy Saving Law. Fuso Eco-fleet is compatible
with standards for equipment subject to the MLIT-subsidized
EMS (Eco-driving Management System) project.

Preventing Air Pollution

Reducing diesel engine exhaust emissions
Japans new long-term diesel exhaust emission regulations
introduced in 2005 are among the most stringent even
compared with those in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, in FY2006, a low emission vehicle certification
system was introduced for heavy-duty vehicles (HDV). HDVs
achieving a 10% or greater reduction in NOx or PM emissions than the regulations requirement are recognized as
Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) and an LEV sticker is
attached to them.
Diesel HDV Exhaust Emission Regulations
PM 0.70
g/kWh

Short-term regulations (1994)

0.25

Safe driving

Driving diagnosis record file

Improvement in
fuel efficiency

Supporting issuance of
periodic reports under the
revised Energy Saving Law

Eco-driving daily report

record file

Function to support under

the revised Energy Saving Law

Long-term regulations (1998)

0.18
New short-term regulations
(2003)

0.027
0.01
0

New long-term regulations

(2005)

0.7
Post new long-term regulations

Prevention of accidents
& safety management

Improvement in fuel efficiency

and CO2 reduction

Improvement in operational
efficiency and operation
management

NOx 10% lower than

standards

2.0

3.38

PM 10% lower than

standards

4.50

NOx
6.00 g/kWh

Both NOx and PM 10%

lower than standards

LE V st i cker s

Prevention of Global Warming: Reducing use of

HFC134a in air conditioners
In order to reduce the use of HFC134a, which has an even
greater greenhouse effect than CO2, we have been phasing
in the use of refrigerant-saving air conditioners with more
compact heat exchangers and more efficient condensers
since the 1997 model year. Heavy-duty trucks released in
2007 achieve 20% reduced use of refrigerant compared with
1997.

1 Energy Saving Lawthe Revised Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy

23

MFTBC has released various types of vehicles in response

to the 2005 regulations, including the Canter Eco Hybrid
launched in July 2006. The following light- to heavy-duty
vehicles were all recognized as LEVs: The light-duty truck
Canter released in August 2006 and models thereafter, and
the medium-duty truck Fighter were recognized for PM
10% lower than regulations; and the heavy-duty truck Super
Great released in April 2007, the Canter Eco Hybrid
model-change in June 2007 and the heavy-duty buses Aero
Queen and Aero Ace both released in June 2007, were
recognized for NOx & PM 10% lower than regulations.
These vehicles are in response to the new long-term exhaust
emission regulations and incorporate, in addition to the aforementioned technologies (see p.21), Regeneration Controlling
Diesel Particulate Filter for medium- and light-duty trucks and
buses, PCV blow-by gas recirculation systems (PCV) and
on-board diagnostics (OBD systems). The newly developed
Urea SCR system is used for heavy-duty trucks and buses.
In order to reduce PM emissions by vehicles already on the
market (to comply with short- and long-term exhaust emission regulations), MFTBC provides oxidation catalysts as
post-exhaust treatment devices.

Regeneration Controlling Diesel Particulate Filter

Adopted for the Canter, the technology is in response to the
new long-term exhaust emission regulations. By combining a
reliable, highly heat-resistant SiC ceramic filter with an oxidizing catalyst, particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC) and
carbon monoxide (CO) are removed.
Flow of exhaust emission
PM (Particle Matter)

The illustration is exaggerated for clarity of

explanation.

Fuel, unused fuel and oil

Common-rail fuel injection system

Environmental Performance

Electronically controlled, common-rail fuel-injection

system
This system allows fuel to be injected at high pressure
regardless of engine speed, accelerating the mixing of finely
atomized fuel and air, and inhibiting the emission of black
smoke in the exhaust, thus reducing PM emissions. The
advanced electronic control additionally makes it possible to
achieve more optimal combustion than in the past, again
facilitating cleaner emissions.

Soot

Rail pressure sensor

Flow limiter

Pressure limiting valve

Fuel tank

Common-rail

Fuel supply pump

Chassis

Fuel filter

Pre-oxidation catalyst
(raising temperature of filter)

Feed
pump

Water
temperature
sensor
Boost pressure sensor

ECU
(Electronic Control Unit)

Injector
(Fuel injection
nozzle)

Engine

Acceleration position sensor

Cab

Ceramic filter
(capturing and burning soot)

Post-oxidation catalyst
(purifying HC & CO)

Urea SCR(Selective Catalytic Reduction)

NOx in exhaust gas is resolved into harmless nitrogen (N2)
and water (H2O) by dosing urea water into the exhaust pipes
for an SCR chemical reaction. Urea is used in cosmetics for
its moisturizing effect. It is a colorless, odorless, harmless
substance.

Cylinder discrimination sensor

Engine speed sensor

High-pressure fuel
Fuel

Urea SCR System

MFTBCs original technology
Parts related to warning light are common
to Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.

ECU

EGR valve

Warning
sound

Air temperature
sensor

Exhaust mark: Orange

Urea water identification warning light ENG/ mark: Red

Low urea solution warning lamp Message only

Air intake throttle

ENG
ECU
Pump
module
(SCR ECU)

VG turbo

EGR valve

Engine cooling water pipe

Engine
Urea tank

Air tank

Preoxidation
catalyst

Exhaust

Inter
cooler

ENG mark: Orange

Indicator of remaining urea water 4-stage display

EGR cooler

Coolant
water

OBD failure lamp

SCR system warning light

Air pipe

High precision grade cooled EGR

(Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
The cooled EGR system in the 2005 Super Great uses water
cooler to lower the temperature of exhaust gas recirculating
to the combustion chamber, thereby reducing NOx emissions.
The system was upgraded for the 2007 Super Great; a
feedback control system was newly developed, which can
finely control the amount of exhaust gas recirculated to the
engine corresponding to the air-fuel ratio in the combustion
chamber. By controlling the amount of exhaust gas with high
precision, EGR quantity can be increased to the maximum in
response to driving conditions, and NOx can be reduced substantially.

Exhaust
temperature
sensor

Urea water
pipe

Urea water level Identification and

temperature sensor
Dosing sensor
module
SCR
catalyst

Post-oxidation catalyst
Dosing nozzle
Parts used in common with
Nissan Diesel Motor

Exhaust
Intake air

Engine
Coolant water

24

Research and Development

Environmental Performance

PCV blowby gas recirculation system

PCVPositive Crankcase Ventilation
Recirculation of blowby gas to the intake duct prevents
release of combustion gases into the atmosphere.
PCV valve

Blowby gas intake reduction system

Air
cleaner

Oil that comes up with blowby gases

is separated from the gases by PCV
valve, and returned to the oil pan.

Air intake duct

R&D on Clean Energy Vehicles (CEVs)

Hybrid vehicles
[Canter Eco Hybrid]
MFTBC launched the Canter Eco Hybrid in July 2006. It is a
small hybrid truck that combines a clean diesel engine and
parallel hybrid system, including lithium ion batteries, with an
electronically controlled mechanical automatic transmission
the INOMAT-. The vehicle offers enhanced environmental
performance and ease of driving. In addition, with a model
change in June 2007, both NOx and PM emissions were
reduced by 10% from the new long-term regulations, and
2015 fuel-efficiency standards were met. (See P.5-6.)

Oil
Blowby

Oil pan

Air intake
Intercooler

OBD (On-board Diagnostics)

An on-board diagnostics system monitors the operating
status of the EGR system and identifies problems in emissions reduction systems caused by circuit malfunctions. A
warning light alerts the driver in the event of trouble.
PM (Particulate Matter) reducer
Pursuant to controls imposed on diesel truck and bus operations under environmental ordinances effective in certain
metropolitan areas from October 2003, vehicles traveling
through those areas must be fitted with particulate matter
reducers approved by the eight prefectural and metropolitan
governments concerned1. MFTBC provides PM reducers
for each truck and bus model, enabling their continued use in
those areas as well as elsewhere.
(For details, please contact MFTBC dealers around the country.)

Canter Eco Hybrid

[Aero Non-Step HEV]

MFTBC developed a series-type hybrid system that is driven
by an electric motor and uses its engine only to generate
electricity, thus reducing exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. In February 2004, it launched the Aero Non-Step
HEV, a large city bus fitted with the system.

Aero Non-Step HEV

MFTBCs PM reducer

Reducing Noise
In Japan, regulations on noise from passenger cars, buses
and trucks were phased in after 1998 (1998-2001 regulations). MFTBC worked to cut vehicle noise by reducing the
amount of noise generated by engines, intake and exhaust
systems, drive systems and tires, and arraying sound
absorbing and soundproofing materials more effectively. All
models were in compliance with the regulations by FY2003.

Tax Reduction and Subsidies for Fuel Efficient and

Low Exhaust Emission Vehicles
In FY2006-07, automobile acquisition taxes are
reduced for fuel-efficient and low exhaust emission
vehicles as follows:
Exhaust

Fuel efficiency

Compliance with
the new long-term
regulations

Reduction of NOx or PM
by 10% compared with
the long-term regulations

Automobile acquisition Automobile acquisition

Meets 2015
tax reduction of 2%
fuel efficiency standards tax reduction of 1%

In addition, subsidies from MLIT and METI are available for hybrid vehicles. (See websites of MLIT and
METI.)

1 Eight local municipalities in the Kanto region around Tokyo (the prefectures of Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa, and the cities of Yokohama, Kawasaki, Chiba and Saitama).

25

Closing to the car in front

(1)MDAS-
MDAS- (Mitsubishi Drivers Attention Monitoring System),
which is standard on heavy-duty, long wheel based cargo trucks
(optional on FP-R and FT-P), is an MFTBC-developed driving
support system. MDAS- monitors the driver's attention level
and alerts the driver via Ivis if a reduced attention level is
detected. A camera installed at the center of the cab tracks lane
markers and evaluates the driver's lane-keeping ability. Steering
behavior and driver activity such as turn signal activation are
also recorded. A Fuzzy Logic algorithm combines these inputs to
estimate the driver's attention level. Lane departure warnings
are enabled when driver attention is low.
In addition, as an option, a distance warning system is available
that monitors the distance to a vehicle driving in front. The
distance sensor has been upgraded from a laser-radar to a
millimeter-wave radar, which works accurately even in bad
weather.

First warning

Warning by
the Distancewarning device
(option)

i Pi
Pi P i Pi
Pi P i
iP
Pi P

Further closing
Second warning

Pi

Environmental Performance

Safety

(2)ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle)

MFTBC has been taking part in the ASV project promoted by
the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT).
Results from this project are being used in the development
of driving support systems, such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise
Control), which helps maintain a following distance to a
vehicle driving in front.To decrease the number of traffic accidents in the future, MFTBC actively participates in the Phase
4 ASV project, and is currently working to develop and diffuse
even more advanced driving support systems to promote
safety.

Increasing Recyclability Rates

Lane recognition camera

MDAS- system

Speaker
Lane departure warnings consist
of optical warnings output on Ivis
and a rumble-strip sound generated by the radio speaker on the
side of lane departure.

Camera
A camera installed at the
center of the cab recognizes
lane markers and evaluates
how smoothly the vehicle is
driving in its lane.
Millimeter-wave radar
(option)

Using a millimeter-wave
radar, the distance to
the vehicle ahead is
monitored. When the
distance becomes short,
the driver is warned.
Steering
Using a steeringwheel angle
sensor, the steering behavior is
evaluated.

Additional inputs
The clutch, auxiliary brake and turn
signal operations are monitored to
identify monotonous driving conditions and thus enhance the precision
of warnings.

MFTBC, in its development of vehicles, actively supports the

3R principles reduce, reuse, recycle which includes
making prior assessments at the initial stage of a vehicles
development. For example, at the stage of developing the
design concept, recyclability and other targets are set for the
vehicle. The targets include measures to reduce various
types of materials used and to employ easy-to-recycle materials and easy-to-dismantle constructions, to use recycled
materials, and to mark the type of resin material, based on
MFTBCs own recycling guidelines.
(1)Choices of materials
MFTBC uses easily recyclable thermoplastic resin for most
exterior parts, including radiator grills and fenders. MFTBC
has adopted white plastics (in place of painted white materials) for many of the exterior parts of its trucks, which must be
both attractive and weatherproof. This is to reduce emissions
from paint solvents and also to make recycling easier
(because there is no need to strip paint).
Recyclable polypropylene1 is used for most interior parts,
such as instrument panels, consoles and trim, helping to
unify materials.
MFTBC also adopted compound materials using natural
fibers generating no residual substances when incinerated
for side trim and rear trim on its medium-duty trucks.

Speed
Average speed is calculated
based on information from the
vehicle speed sensor, which
is used to evaluate traffic
conditions while driving.

1 PolypropyleneUsed for films and molded products, and melted and spun into textile products.

26

Research and Development

Environmental Performance

MFTBC has traditionally used recycled passenger car bumpers (polypropylene) for engine covers and air cleaner cases
on the Canter. We have, moreover, used mixed materials combinations of recycled bumpers and recycled materials
from other industries (e.g., high density polyethylene used for
films2) for wheelhouse covers on heavy-duty trucks3. In
addition, floor carpets incorporating recycled PET bottles are
used. MFTBC seeks constantly to adopt the use of new materials having less environmental impact, such as woodsubstitutes.

Step wall

Front corner panel

Headlamp bezel

Handling automobile parts containing asbestos

MFTBC has, as a member of JAMA, worked on eliminating
the use of parts containing asbestos. In October 1996, JAMA
announced that asbestos-containing parts were no longer
used in vehicles manufactured for the Japanese market.
As a result of re-inspection, however, MFTBC found that two
items used in seven parts still contained asbestos after October 1996. Such asbestos was kneaded into other resins, etc.,
and there was no risk that it would disperse and cause any
adverse effect on human health in normal use. Those parts
containing asbestos were also not those whose production
and use had been prohibited under an ordinance to partially
revise the enforcement ordinance of the Industrial Safety and
Health Law.
On April 14, 2006, MFTBC again urged all parts suppliers to
stop delivery asbestos-containing parts.
We will continue our efforts toward total elimination of parts
containing asbestos.

White exterior parts made from colored plastics

Wheelhouse cover

(2)Construction
MFTBC is making its products easier to dismantle by, among
other things, reducing the number of fasteners and eliminating connections of different materials, in accordance with
recycling design guidelines. For example, reductions on connecting parts such as instrumental panel, head lining and
radiator grill are done in medium-duty trucks, adopting simple
dismantlement construction.
(3)Reducing hazardous substances
MFTBC makes every effort to eliminate the use of environmental pollutants such as lead by, among other things, developing new, alternative materials. In addition, for example, to
on-going efforts to make radiators, heat cores, fuel tanks,
wire harnesses and hoses more environmentally friendly, we
are enthusiastically expanding the use of lead-free
materials4 for electro-deposited body paints for cabs and
chassis. New vehicles released in and after FY2006
achieved the 2006 targets set by the Japan Automobile
Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
Under the EUs ELV Directive, use of four environmental
pollutants (lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium) is in principle prohibited. In Japan as well, therefore,
MFTBC is cutting use of all four substances as part of voluntary efforts. MFTBC is also taking steps to reduce Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOC), including formaldehyde and
toluene, considered to be factors in sick-building syndrome,
by improving adhesives and paints used on interior parts.

27

2 High density PolyethyleneUsed for wire coverings, films and molded products.
3 Recycled bumpers have been used to make polypropylene since 1997, but virgin materials have been used for high-density polypropylene.
4 Lead-free materialsContain no lead.
5 Use of lead in and after 2006 to be reduced by at least 75% from FY1996.
6 VOCVolatile Organic Compound

Procurement
Activities under Eco Action 21
Eco Action 21 (EA21) is a program formulated by the Ministry
of the Environment (MOE) in 1996, and revised several
times. Established on the basis of the international standard
ISO 14001, EA21 is designed so that small- and mediumsize industries can effectively promote environmental management, and can be acquired at lower cost and with less
man-hours than ISO 14001. The system has not only environmental but also managerial effects, such as reducing
costs and improving productivity and yields.

Deciding to work on Eco Action 21

Considering and deciding on an implementing body
Self-checking impact on the environment
Self-checking own environmental efforts

Implementing the plan (Do)

82

80

85

88
Checking and evaluating the status of
activities (Check)

70

Acquisition rate

60

These together
constitute the
initial
environmental
review.

Overall evaluation and review (Action)

Issuing a
plan(Plan)

Establishing and operating

environmental andmanagerial systems

Review

ISO 14001/EA21 Acquisition rate by suppliers

100

Management (on
behalf of the
company)
decides to make
a unifiedeffort.

Issuing environmental policy

Issuing environmental targets and
environmental action plan

Environmental Performance

Green Procurement
MFTBC began what is called green procurement in November 2000 before it was spun off from MMC seeking to
make its purchases more environmentally friendly. In the Environmental Sustainability Plan issued in June 2002, MFTBC
set it a target that all suppliers of parts and materials to
acquire ISO 14001 certification by FY2004, and supported
them in their efforts, including distributing texts and introducing consulting companies in the field.
After the spin-off from MMC, MFTBC set its own target of
having all major suppliers of parts and materials acquire ISO
14001 certification or EA21 (Eco Action 21) certification by
2004 and declaring that in its own Environmental Sustainability Plan. It also commenced its new activities.
As of the end of FY2004, 82% of our major suppliers had
obtained ISO14001 or EA21 certification. Nevertheless, the
target of all suppliers was not met. In and after FY2005,
MFTBC has therefore continuously implemented support
activities, such as proposing environmental management
systems, via explanatory meetings, appropriate to each supplier; following up on certification acquisition plans; and more.
As a result, 88% of our suppliers had obtained ISO 14001 or
EA21 certificate by the end of FY2006.

60

40

Making a report on environmental activities

and publishing it
30
Steps in Eco Action 21 Efforts(Source: IGES)

20

0
2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006
(end of FY)

MFTBC is also working with suppliers to reduce the quantities of environmental-impact substances in parts and materials. A particular focus is on substitutes for the four substances whose use is restricted in Europe (lead, mercury,
cadmium and hexavalent chromium).

Based on information that a pilot project would begin in 2003

prior to shifting to EA21 certification system, MFTBC encouraged a large number of its suppliers to participate in the pilot
program. Six did and all acquired EA21 certification. In
FY2004 and since, more suppliers have participated, showing increasing interest in EA21. MFTBC has actively promoted EA21, holding meetings to explain the program, with
support from MOE, to encourage participation and to report
on activities, thus sharing information horizontally.

Meetings for suppliers (August 2006)

28

Production
Environmental Performance

Vehicle production activities have a bearing on everything from environmental issues at the local level to
global environmental concerns. Recognizing this, MFTBC is taking concerted action to continuously
reduce impacts on the environment.
Global environment
Ozone layer
destruction

Acid rain

Consumption
of Earths
resources

Wide-area environment
Regional-scale
environment

Land
contamination

Oxidase smog
Noise
Vibration

Water
pollution

Greenhouse
effect

Odor
Ground
subsidence

Air
pollution

Environmental problems associated with production activities

Environmental Setup
MFTBC produces vehicles trucks and buses of all sizes
in an integrated operation at three locations in Japan. The
three plants comprise arrange of production processes,
including machining, heat treating, stamping, welding, painting and assembly. Core parts, such as engines and bodies,
are manufactured within the company, while other component parts are procured from specialist manufacturers for
assembly into vehicles. MFTBC works proactively to reduce
and prevent adverse environmental effects from activities at
its plants, with a leading role played by its Environmental
Councils Production Committee. In addition, as shown
below, number of teams established under the Production
Committee carries out specific efforts to reduce and prevent
environmental impact.

lines and to conduct detailed checks of energy use, such as

by energy conservation patrols, in order to further reduce
CO2 emissions
/
100t-CO

million
2

Energy Consumption (CO2 volume equivalent)

36.5 36.8 35.7

40
38.2

CO2 emissions to sales

35
32.1

27.6

30.1
27.2

30
26.6
26.5
25.3
27.8 28.0

25
23.4 20.3
20.4

20

17.6
10

1,000t
CO
2

200

Production Committee (meets twice a year)

150

191 185

163 162 170

Gross CO2 emissions

152 155
141

100

114 121 119 120 111

114 110 116
101

50

Plant
environment
protectionteam

Waste
reduction
steering team

Logistics
steering team

Energyconservation
steering team

0
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06FY

Steam Compressor

Energy Conservation
(Prevention of Global Warming)
Because MFTBC puts special effort into energy conservation, it set its own energy prevention indication as total CO2
emissions to be reduced more than 20% (to 153,000t-CO2 or
below) from the level of FY1990, by FY2010.
As a result of energy conservation efforts at plants in
FY2006, total energy use at the production stage (as
reflected in total CO2 emissions) was 111,000t-CO2, down
7% from FY2005, achieving the FY2010 target of 153,000tCO 2 or below. The ratio of CO 2 emissions to sales was
17.6t-CO2 per 100 million. MFTBC will continue to revise
work patterns to match the operating status of production

Directing high-pressure steam (2.0 MPa) from waste boilers of a

cogeneration system 1 into a steam turbine (150kW output)
reduced by 50% the shaft power load of the electric motor compressor (300kW). (Energy recovered: 1,080 million kWh/year).

1 Cogeneration systemCogeneration is a means to efficiently extract energy by simultaneously generating electricity by turbines (such as gas turbines powered by city gas) and using the waste heat as a heat
source in air conditioning and water heating facilities.

29

Recycling

MFTBC works for reduction of landfill waste targeting at less

than 0.1% of total waste, and to maintain recycling at more
than 98%.
Major forms of waste produced at the production stage are
metal scrap, waste oil and sludge. Emissions of these are
being reduced by improving production methods and material
yields1. Waste that nevertheless results is recycled and
reused wherever possible. As a result, the target of achieving
zero emissions2 of landfill waste was attained at all plants in
March 2002, and emissions were kept at zero in FY 2006.
Specifically in FY 2006, waste emissions came to 37,000t for
the year and the resource recovery rate was 99.4 %. In order
to hold emissions at zero and to further promote the 3Rs3
in the future, we will continue to take all available actions.

MFTBC practices materials recycling the reuse of items

and materials as raw materials for new items, including
sludge from waste water treatment reused as cement material, and others as shown below.
MFTBC promotes thermal recycling as well, making positive
use of the heat energy generated when burnable waste such
as rubber, waste oil is incinerated. The heat is converted to
steam and using the steam to generate power. MFTBC also
supports the collection, sorting and recycling of paper from
offices.
In FY2006, waste plastics were made into RPF4 and effectively used as fuel.
Waste source

Waste

Press line

Metal scraps

Casting materials

Chemical sludge

Cement materials

Waste disposal process in FY2006

Waste

Paint sludge

Cement materials
Recycled thinner, fuel

Sludge

Metal scraps

Waste oil

Recycled oil, fuel

Waste
plastics

Waste wood

Waste plastics

Fuel, roadbed

Sludge from waste water

treatment

Cement materials

Glass, grinding sludge,

waste ceramics

Recycled glass, roadbed

Waste paper

Recycled paper

Waste paper

Overall plant

Waste oil
Glass and grinding sludge
Waste paper
and wood

Incineration
(9.2%)

Waste ceramics

Recycling
(90.8%)

Offices, etc.

Industrial waste breakdown (FY2006)

Incineration ash

Heat recovery

Reduction
0.6%

Recycled materials

Washing thinner

Paint shop

Environmental Performance

Reduction of Waste

Waste paper 2.7%

Other waste 1.4

Waste plastics 2.8

Sludge 2.9
Metal scraps
86.9

Waste oil 3.3

Landfill
0.006%

Total
37,000
t/year

Thermal recycling (8.1%)

Steam, etc.

Reuse (91.3%)
Recycled metals
Recycled oil
Recycled paper
Roadbed materials
Cement material, etc.

Resource recovery rate

99.4%

1
2
3
4

Yield: The portion of raw materials that is actually used in the product.
Zero landfill emissionsMFTBC defines emissions as "zero emissions" if the proportion of generated waste disposed of in landfills is 0.1% or less of the total.
3RReduce, Reuse, Recycle
RPFStands for refuse paper and plastic fuel; solid fuel made of waste paper and waste plastics.

30

Production
Environmental Performance

Reducing Water Use

MFTBC is working to reduce the basic unit of water use,
targeting a 15% reduction from FY2005 by FY2010.
Production processes necessarily use various kinds of water,
such as industrial water and tap water. Recognizing the need
to conserve resources, each plant has its action plan for
reducing its use of water from all sources. In FY2006, water
use decreased by 10% from FY2005. MFTBC will continue
its efforts to reduce water use toward achievement of the
target in FY2010.
Water use per unit manufactured
m3/unit
20
15.8
15 14.2 14.3
12.8

10

8.62
7.56
5.88

6.65

(3)Dust
We are working to cut emissions of dust from boilers, removing it using afterburners, and also limiting emissions through
proper maintenance and control of combustion. (See p.51-53
for emissions at each plant.)
(4)VOC1
In its body painting processes, MFTBC is working to cut its
emission of solvents by introducing highly efficient painting
equipment and improved painting methods, improving the
recovery of thinners used to clean paint guns when changing
colors, and installing exhaust treatment equipment on paintdrying ovens. Moreover, we monitor compliance with regulation values for plants subject to VOC emission concentration
regulations.
The new paint shop for cabs that began operating in May
2006 is a state-of-the art painting facility. It uses less paint
than conventional paint shops and has lower VOC emissions
from paint. We also installed exhaust-processing equipment
in the painting booth to further control VOC.

7.33 7.00
6.82
5.58

4.99

4.30

3.60 4.10

02

03

4.50

0
90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

04

05 06
Year

Prevention of Air Pollution

(1)Sulfur oxides (SOx)
The use of cleaner energy sources containing almost no
sulfur such as kerosene and city gas for boilers, industrial
furnaces and other combustion facilities has enabled SOx
emissions to be reduced to extremely low levels. We continue to seek and take active steps to conserve energy and
reduce SOx emissions.
(2)Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
MFTBC has long made every effort to minimize NOx emissions, such as by installing low NOx boilers and using low
NOx burners. We continue to seek and take active steps to
conserve energy and reduce NOx emissions. (See p.51-53
for emissions at each plant.)

1 VOC
Volatile 0rganic Compounds
Toluene, Xylene, etc.

31

New Paint Shop in Kawasaki

Prevention of Water Pollution

Sources of water pollution at plants include process wastewater generated during processes such as painting, and
domestic-grade wastewater from sources such as refectories
and toilets. The pollution load from wastewater varies
depending on the process. Wastewater is first put through
the appropriate primary and secondary treatments before
undergoing advanced wastewater treatment at a general
treatment facility.

Preventing Soil and Groundwater Pollution

Presses, compressors, various kinds of blowers and engine

testing equipment are major sources of noise and vibrations.
In order to reduce the effects around such plants, less noisy
equipment and devices to prevent vibrations are increasingly
employed, facility layouts are modified, buildings are insulated, and other steps are taken as appropriate.

MFTBC conducts checks for noxious materials in groundwater (existing wells), assuring that there is no pollution.

Reduction of Odors
Paint lines are common sources of odors.
At MFTBCs new paint shop, which started operation in May
2006, vehicle cabs are painted. There, we have installed the
latest exhaust processing equipment for the painting booths
to reduce odors a first in the vehicle industry, we are proud
to say.
Exhaust processing equipment for painting booth
Air

Exhaust to outside the facility

(processed gas)

Exhaust processing equipment

Air feeder

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)

Deodorizing concentrated gas
Heat-wind mixer

Painting booth

Concentrated
gas

Filter unit
Activated carbon

Hot wind

Chemical Substances Management

MFTBC decides whether to adopt new chemicals or not by a
system of pre-screening for toxicity. The system examines
the properties of new chemicals and the details of how to use
them. In addition, steps are being taken to reduce emissions
of chemicals, prioritized according to risk level. Daily inspections are conducted of handling facilities in order to ensure
safety with respect to dangerous substances and the workplace, and to protect the local environment.

Environmental Performance

Reduction of Noise and Vibrations

(1)Emissions of PRTR1substances
In FY2006, MFTBC used 1,130t of 14 PRTR substances. A
breakdown of the release and transfer of chemicals shows
that approximately 27% was emitted into the environment,
and the remaining 73% was recycled, consumed or eliminated
(2)Storage of PCBs2
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) used as insulating oil for
sealing transformers and condensers are properly controlled
as required by law. The total number of transformers and
condensers in storage at the end of FY2006 was 915.

Heat exchanger

Preprocessing equipment Suction concentrating device

Eliminating paint mistEliminating solvents

The top of the wastewater treatment t facility is also covered

to prevent odors.

Top covers of wastewater treatment facility

As for daily management, MFTBC conducts maintenance of

exhaust processing equipment on a routine basis, striving to
prevent the generation of odors. Their influence for both
inside and outside the plant is also controlled.

1 PRTR
Pollutant Release and Transfer Register
Under the PRTR law, businesses themselves survey and report to authorities their emissions to the atmosphere and transfer of waste from plants and
business establishments. These data are combined by the authorities and published together with information on toxicity. (In March 2003, these data were published for the first time.)
2 PCB
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Chemically stable substances with excellent insulation properties that have been widely used for insulating oil, insulating media and plasticizers. Because of their accumulation
in the human body and the difficulties of disposing of them due to their toxicity and chemical stability, however, their production and use has been strictly prohibited in Japan since 1972.

32

Logistics
Environmental Performance

In April 2006, the revised Energy Saving Law came into

effect. The law provides that forwarders transporting 30
million ton-kilometers (weight of cargo (t) x distance of transport (km) ) or more per year are designated forwarders, and
must reduce annual average per-unit energy consumption by
1% .
With an annual quantity of transported cargo of 234 million
ton-kilometers, MFTBC is a designated forwarder, and is
working to improve efficiency in its transport, primarily by promoting modal shifts and eco-driving.
Based on its recognition that reducing the use of packing and
other materials at the production, sales and service stages is
important in reducing impact on the environment, including
global warming, MFTBC makes proactive efforts to develop
logistics systems that are environmentally friendly.

Measures to Increase Efficiency in Transport of

Finished Vehicles (Reduction of CO2 Emissions)
In order to reduce emissions of CO2 while transporting builtup vehicles, we are working on various steps focusing on
modal shifts in the transport itself and minimization of
engine idling. In FY2006, as a result of our efforts toward the
target of reducing CO2 emissions by 11% or more compared
with FY2000, CO2 emissions were 42.5kg/unit (down 11%),
achieving the target.
CO2 emissions per unit in transport of BU vehicles
(CO2 kg/unit)
60
50

48.1

46.7

45.3

44.9
40.1

(moving between
key locations,
including
transport, etc.,
to minor
locations)

Customer (manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, etc.)

Procurers facility and Supplier

Transport
section 6

Transport
section 4

MFTBC is working on improvements in transport sections 3 through 6.

Transport sections 1 and 2 will be reviewed.
Each transport section and related units/departments
Related units/departments

33

2005

2006
FY

30

Plants
Kawasaki
HigashiTransport
Ogijima
section 1
Transport section 5
Atsugi PC
(procuring raw
Nakatsu
materials,
Distribution
Oye Bus Transport
parts, etc.)
center
section 3
MFBM
Motor pool
Mounted-body
manufacturer
Yard

Transport section 2

42.5

40

MFTBC-Related Transport Sections

(procuring products manufactured

on commission, etc.)

42.9

Remarks

Transport
section 1

Currently, suppliers are shippers

Logistics
Procurement
Operation not subject to MFTBCs control.
Control
MLT
Involvement of the section is
under consideration.

Transport
section 2

Operation Control
Sales & Service Domestic
MLT

Transport
section 3

Logistics within plant premises,

Operation Control
Logistics
MLT transport between plants /
Transport of finished vehicles /
Transport of KD cases

Transport
section 4

Transport of finished vehicles,

Operation Control
Logistics
logistics within plant premises /
Sales & Service DomesticsMLT Mail and parcel delivery service /
Industrial waste

Transport
section 5&6

Sales & Service Domestics

MLT
Logistics
MLT
Sales & Service Domestics
MLT

Same as above (spare parts, etc.)

Transport of finished vehicles /

Logistics for spare parts /
Industrial engines

20
10
0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Expansion of MFTBCs Higashi-Ogijima Logistics Center

In May 2006, a new warehouse was completed at MFTBCs
Higashi-Ogijima Logistics Center and its completion ceremony
was held. Previously, distribution operations, including KD packing
and delivery, were dispersed among multiple internal and external
warehouses including the Higashi-Ogijima Logistics Center as a
stronghold. We expanded the center by 70% and have now
integrated all operations related to KD distribution. Logistics are
improved in both quality and rationality, which should lead to a
further reduction in CO2 emissions. In the expansion work, fireresistant sheets of a new material were used, in regard to the
working environment during and after construction.
Jay A Johnson, SEO said: A long-term stable infrastructure has
been established allowing us to respond to strong demand overseas, and we will be able to provide high-quality service to clients
all over the world.

In order to develop an efficient transport system utilizing multiple means of transport primarily trucks and ships we are
promoting a switch from a mainly land-based transport
system to a marine one.
In the case of land transport of small trucks, we are switching
from the existing system of transporting the trucks under their
own power to the use of transporters, as is done elsewhere
with passenger cars. Measures include improvement of loading efficiency, arrangements to carry passenger cars on
transporters return trips, and shortening transport routes.

Increasing the use of returnable racks and

boxes3
For service parts
Returnable racks and boxes are already being used to ship
service parts to North America, Europe, the Middle East and
Thailand. Use on other routes, e.g., to Australia, is planned.
For KD parts
Returnable racks and boxes were employed for the transport
of engines to Portugal. They are planned for the transport of
some parts to Taiwan and Portugal.

Environmental Performance

Promotion of Modal Shift1

Transport of light-duty trucks by carrier

Plastic returnable boxes

Steel returnable racks

Promotion of eco-driving
Regarding land transport, MFTBC is taking steps to encourage fuel-efficient driving by, for example, giving advice on
driving at economical speeds, and prohibiting sudden starting, acceleration and unnecessary engine idling. Loading
tractors are in addition equipped with digital tachographs2 in
order to raise the efficiency of transport management and
promote fuel-efficient driving.
MFTBC signed the Kawasaki Eco-Drive Declaration of
Kawasaki City, and promotes eco-driving by, for example,
attaching declarative stickers on vehicles transporting parts
between plants. (See p.12)

Sticker to support eco-driving on a vehicle

transporting parts between plants

Returnable rack for engines

Replacing wooden packing cases with steel

The amount of wooden-case usage (relative to sales) in
FY2006 was down 43.1% compared with FY2000, greatly
surpassing the original target of an 18% or more reduction
from FY2000 by the end of FY2006.
Steel cases are already in use for shipments of knockdown
parts to Asian countries, primarily Indonesia, Vietnam and
China, the Middle East including Turkey and Africa.
Other measures
Other steps being taken include the use of stretch film packing and simplified packaging?4 specifications allowing, for
example, for the use of wooden/steel crates.

Measures for Reduction of Packing and Packaging Materials

Steps to reduce the use of packing and packaging materials
when transporting parts to production and sales affiliates
include the following:

Simplified packaging using wooden/steel crates

1 Modal shiftOptimized transportation by combining several means of transportation in order to reduce adverse environmental effects and transportation costs.
2 Digital tachographsDevices that collect detailed data on driving operations (time, speed, distance, engine speed, etc.) for analysis by computer, helping to increase efficiency of operations.
3 Returnable racks and boxesAfter being unpacked at their destinations, the racks and boxes are folded or broken down to between a third and a tenth of their original size and sent back to Japan. Such steel racks
and plastic boxes can be used for more than ten years. (The wood, plywood and steel boxes previously used were disposed of at each destination.)
4 Wooden/steel crate packingThis is a type of packing using only crates without additional materials. By reducing the consumption of packing materials, packing costs are reduced. The approach is suitable for
relatively light, non-fragile items.

34

Sales Activities
Environmental Performance

MFTBCs products reach its customers via a network of dealers throughout the whole country. Dealers are the interface
between MFTBC and customers in other ways as well. They
conduct, for example, regular maintenance and periodic
inspections of trucks and buses as well as taking back endof-life vehicles (ELVs).
And they are increasingly important in their own businesses
for the actions they take to protect the environment and
recycle vehicles: collecting and recycling waste, such as oil
and parts, and appropriately disposing of ELVs.
MFTBC provides support for its dealers throughout the country and seeks to raise their awareness regarding environmental protection, in order to raise the environmental performance of the corporate group as a whole.

Framework for Environmental Action by Dealers

MFTBC not only requires its dealers to meet all legal requirements for environmental protection, but considers it important
that they also establish and maintain systems to protect the
environment and proactively prevent emissions of environmentally hazardous substances. We issued in December
2000 a manual for dealers on how to bring their environmental activities into compliance with ISO 14001 standards for
environmental management systems. Due to the enactment
of new legislation, the number of headings was increased
and the manual was revised in December 2003.
Each of the companys domestic dealers has a Declaration
on Environmental Action with clear statements of its environmental guidelines and responsibilities and authority in
environmental activities.

Outline of Management System for Domestic Dealers

Achievement of management targets by category of activities

Environmental management system

Company-wide actions to achieve
continuous improvement

Establishment of structure and

identification of person in charge

Declaration on
environmental actions
by top management
(CEO)

Understanding the current

situation and
formulating action plan

Action plan
Activities

A manual for Environmental Activities

Actions by Dealers to Cope with Environmental Problems

Report and inspection

Review

Current situation

Measures Taken by Dealers

Repair shops are required to appropriately dispose of spent
parts and packing materials after parts replacement or repair,
as well as spent oil and cooling water. In offices, too, employees work for environmental protection, striving to reduce their
own use of paper and energy, e.g., air conditioning and lighting, and encouraging customers to use low emission trucks
and buses. Under the Automobile Recycling Law, which
came into effect in January 2005, dealers are serving as the
collectors of ELVs, contributing further to appropriate
disposal of waste and recovery of resources.
Environmental activities by dealer
Disposal of waste oil and scrap parts
Treatment of waste water at repair shops
Receiving ELVs
Collection of air-conditioner refrigerant
Compliance with PRTR law
Disposal of ordinary business waste

35

Recycling

Examples of measures (refer to details on each activity)

Development: Using recyclable resources; using easily
recyclable materials; designing for ultimate
disposal; etc.
Production: Using recycled materials; minimizing waste;
utilizing material scraps, paint sludge; etc.
Sales: Providing information on recycling of products; etc.
Use of products: Utilizing rebuilt and used parts;
appropriate treatment of replaced,
unusable parts.
Waste disposal: Receiving ELVs at dealers; preparing to
receive and recycle fluorocarbons, airbags
and ASR from ELVs.

Self Efforts (non-mandatory recycling)

Measures for Mounted Bodies on Commercial
Vehicles
Due to long years of use, the possibility of re-mounting on
other vehicles, and re-usage as storehouses, etc., mounted
bodies on commercial vehicles are exempt from the Automobile Recycling Law.
MFTBC is participating in joint efforts promoted by the Japan
Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA), and the
Japan Auto-Body Industries Association, Inc. (JABIA), to
develop an appropriate approach to the issue involving cooperation among companies, raising awareness among users
(communications via fliers, etc.), recycling designs, etc.
Recycling of Mounted Bodies
Parts recycled/reused most

Flat-bed assemblies, van bodies

Automobile Recycling Law

Parts recycled as materials

Metal parts, such as frames

The Automobile Recycling Law, which has been in force

since January 1, 2005, makes automobile manufacturers
responsible for receiving, disposing of and recycling Automobile Shredder Residue (ASR) 1, fluorocarbons and airbags.
There are two teams to receive and recycle ASR. To gather
and recycle ASR efficiently, in an environmentally responsible manner at low cost, MFTBC established a ASR recycling promotion team called ART,2 jointly with Nissan
Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mazda Motor
Corporation, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Isuzu Motors Ltd., Nissan Diesel Motor and others. As
for promotion of appropriate collection and disposal of fluorocarbons and airbags, the Japan Auto Recycling Partnership
(an interim entity with limited responsibility) was cooperatively
established by MFTBC and other automotive companies.

Parts disposed of as waste

Non-metal parts, including wood,

FRP and insulating materials

Results for FY2006 (April 2006 March 2007)

Received and recycled 5,195t (22,894 units) of ASR for a
recycling rate of 66.8%, achieving the statutory standard
(30% or more).
563 airbags (295 units) were recycled by collection or after
actual activation in vehicles. Recycling rate was 95.1% of
the total number of airbags, meeting the required legal
standard (more than 85%).
3,844kg (9,126 units) of CFCs were collected and property
treated.
Total deposits remitted by the fund-managing corporation
were 200,977,000 and total expenses for recycling, etc.,
were 61,290,000.

Environmental Performance

Measures throughout the Life Cycle toward a

Recycling-Oriented Society

Measures for Glass Recycling

MFTBC is working with seven other domestic automotive
companies to collect glass from ELVs at the scrapping stage
to re-use as raw materials without generating additional ASR.
Together with glass manufacturers and scrapping dismantlers, MFTBC has also been building the infrastructure to
recycle collected glass into automobile glass and/or other
glass products since October 2005.

Recoverability/Recyclability of Light-Duty
Trucks Newly Released in Europe (FB8 series,
FE7, 8 series)
Examples of designs improving recoverability and
recyclability
Simplification of headlamp desorption
Use of more thermoplastic resin
Use of olefin for all instrument panels
Items requiring pretreatment before dismantling
Battery
Treatment of liquid waste is the same as with conventional
models
Electrically operated airbags are used to make their
disposal easier through actual activation
Making lead-free wheel weights, requiring no pretreatment

Results for FY2006 (April 2006 March 2007)

ASR

Airbags

CFCs

22,894 units

295 units

9,126 units

Collected

5,195t

563 airbags

3,844kg

Recycling rate

66.8%

95.1%

2005 - 2009

2010 - 2014

2015 -

30%

50%

70%

ELVs received

Recycling percentages for ASR and airbags

ASR
Airbags

85%

1 ASR
Automobile Shredder Residue
Waste consisting of various plastics, rubber, fibers and paint sludge, glass pieces and sand and soil left after recovering metals from shredded ELVs.
2 ARTAutomobile shredder residue Recycling promotion Team

36

Activities in Overseas Affiliates

Environmental Performance

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Europe (MFTE) (Portugal)

MFTE confirms its commitment to the introduction of environmental policies minimizing the negative effects of plant activities.
In FY2006 there were no environmentally relevant incidents
or complaints from external entities.
Obtaining an Environmental License
Some internal procedures were improved and all necessary
documentation was prepared and sent to the environmental
authorities in order to obtain an Environment License. An
Environment License is mandatory under Portuguese law
and EEC rules to continue MFTEs activities.
ISO14001
MFTE is externally audited yearly by the international firm
BVC (Bureau Veritas Certification). The last audit revealed
four minor nonconformities that were promptly resolved and a
new ISO 14001:2004 certification was issued.

Activities to reduce environmental impact

Concrete actions were implemented during FY2006 to continuously reduce environmental impact:
Treatment of Waste and Recycling
Special waste collection areas were created with different
colored containers for the separation of different kinds of
waste.
Prevention of Air Polution
In order to minimize the use of general-purpose solvents and
thus reduce VOC emissions, a closed storage area for them
was established, accessible only by authorized personnel.
Limits on consumption were imposed and usage of products
containing VOCs was strictly controlled.

Waste Collection

Closed Area for Solvents

Energy Conservation
Variable speed air compressors with programable low pressure levels were installed.
Prevention of Water & Soil Contamination
Sluice gates were installed at the main outfalls to provide
some retention capacity in the event of a large spill of hazardous liquid.
Environmental audit by Daimler
In July 2006, MFTE was, as a group member, also audited
by Daimler. The following six areas were evaluated:
Environment Management System
Emissions to Air
Releases to Water
Waste Management
Contamination of Soil & Groundwater
Use of Materials and Resources
As the result, ten situations were identified as requiring
improvement. Improvement actions were planned, scheduled, and are being implemented or have already been completed.

37

Power-saving air compressor

Sluice gate

MFTT produces trucks and engines. Seeking to conform its

activities to the highest international environmental standards, MFTT is working diligently toward the following:

Eliminating mercury lamps

In some working areas we can eliminate electricity consumption, replacing mercury lamps with fluorescent lamps. For
example, replacing three 400 W mercury lamp sets (1200 W)
with 16 of 36 W fluorescent lamp sets (576 W) saves 624 W.

1Marking its management, production and service practices as

environmentally sound as possible.

Environmental Performance

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck (Thailand)

2Implementing measures to prevent environmental pollution,

including reducing waste, and recycling and reusing materials.
3Observing environment-related laws, regulations and agreements.
4Setting targets to continuously improve the environment.
5Educating all employees to increase environmental consciousness
and boost awareness of the need to preserve natural resources.
6Encouraging cost-reduction activities that effectively save
electricity, water and other resources.
7Releasing information to the public on the companys environmental policies and environment-related issues.

Energy Conservation
Using an electric oven to dry small parts
Previously, in the painting process, we used a large oven to
dry all parts, Now, we separate small parts and dry them in
an electric oven, saving energy and 162,180 baht/year.
1
Before improvement
Electricity cost (3bath/kwh) =600.60 baht/day
2
After improvement
Electricity cost (3bath/kwh) = 60 baht/day
Saving = 540.6 baht/day
or 162,180 baht/year

Mercury lamp

Fluorescent lamp

Treatment of waste
Waste from our plant is entrusted to professional wastemanagement companies. Total in 2006 :
Paint sludge
= 20 tons
Spent gloves and waste cloth =
5 tons
Recycling of Natural Resources
MFTT aggressively recycles resources such as wood, plastic, iron, paper, and more. In 2006 we achieved total recycling of 174 tons.

Electric oven

38