Building a Circular Economy
JATCO Circular Economy Concept
As a manufacturing company, JATCO believes that it is important to make effective use of limited resources. For some time now, we have promoted a manufacturing style in which we collect used ATs/ CVTs manufactured by us and then remanufacture and reuse them. Going forward, we will also focus on further promoting the circular economy. Specifically, we are advancing initiatives centered on the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) approach. By designing and developing products that can be used for a long time, we reduce waste. Furthermore, by regenerating and reusing parts that are still usable from products collected from the market and by utilizing recyclable materials to regenerate them into new resources (recycle), we achieve minimization of resource dependence and waste reduction. We will work to build effective mechanisms for a circular economy across our products and business activities.
3R for products
Initiatives for waste management
Efforts to sort waste thoroughly for recycling
JATCO is endeavoring to recycle waste with thorough sorting in order to use resources efficiently and sustainably. As its waste treatment method, JATCO has eliminated waste disposal through simple incineration and landfills and is implementing material recycling (reuse and recycling) and thermal recycling (conversion to fuel). Due to this, we have attained a 100% recycling rate for waste in the production stage at our locations in Japan.
Recycling rate
Initiatives to reduce waste through companywide participation
JATCO employees are always working on waste reduction from the perspective of the 3Rs.
At each location, we establish waste reduction targets, register ideas for initiatives implemented at each workplace, and share information on reducing waste to improve employee motivation at each workplace. The amount of waste in 2024 was 5,999 tons, a reduction of 69.7% compared to 2006.
Total waste generated in FY2024
Waste generation
Recycling of aluminum scrap
When cutting aluminum raw materials in the production process, aluminum shavings (powder) are generated.
JATCO collects this generated powder in-house, melts it again, removes impurities, and then reuses it in products through the raw material processing process. Recycling aluminum powder not only reduces new resource input and reduces waste, but also contributes to energy conservation and the reduction of greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions.
Packing density improvements and reuse of packaging materials
As part of our efforts to improve our loading ratio, which contributes to a reduction in the number of trucks used, JATCO is taking steps to improve the packing density of purchased parts for delivery.
Plastic containers and plastic cushioning material used to protect products during transportation and storage that had become unusable as a result of deterioration or product changes had previously been disposed of as industrial waste. However, after 2004, JATCO began reusing this material for other products. We have also gained the cooperation of companies engaged in the production of plastic to help us further reduce the waste we generate, such as by recycling our plastics into raw materials.
Improving the packing density of parts purchased
Trend in amount of plastic containers recycled or reused
| Fiscal year | t |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 40.1 |
| 2019 | 34.2 |
| 2020 | 39.5 |
| 2021 | 28.9 |
| 2022 | 29.6 |
| 2023 | 347.0 |
| 2024 | 51.0 |
Initiatives for unit repair and regeneration
From the perspective of minimizing resource dependence and reducing waste, JATCO has been developing repair technologies for units released on the market and working on the reuse business.
When a CVT/AT produced by our company breaks down, we first identify the breakdown area and, whenever possible, replace or repair the broken component on the spot.
In the case that it is difficult to replace the component, we recover the unit, disassemble it, clean it, inspect it, replace it, reassemble it, and carry out a functionality test before regenerating it as an after-sales service component that is no different in quality from a brand-new product and providing it to the customer.
Furthermore, we advance the reuse as materials of units that are difficult to regenerate as CVTs/ATs.
Through these activities, we will explore further possibilities for reusing units and components, including upcycling, and work to build effective mechanisms for a circular economy.
Upcycling initiatives
Power generation gearbox (nacelle) for mediumsized onshore wind turbines
Uses motors and inverters from used Nissan LEAFs. Aiming for practical application in 2025 in collaboration with Zephyr Corporation.
Outdoor eco-knife ARUNEMO
Produced using scrap materials generated during the manufacturing of automotive transmissions.
Also contributes to regional revitalization through collaboration with two manufacturers of wood and leather products based in Fuji City.
