2024/3/11Shimano’s 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) initiatives for plastics

SHIMANO INC. promotes the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) of plastic. We have established a system for sorting plastic waste in accordance with the ironclad rule of "if you mix it, it's waste; if you sort it, it's a resource." Resin pallets and returnable containers used for internal logistics are washed to extend their life cycle and lead to reuse, and when they reach the end of their life cycle, they are sent to their manufacturers for recycling. Stretch films after use without stains generated from internal logistics are also sent to their manufacturers, and the plastic trays used for parts delivery, that used to be disposed of, are now sorted by material and sent to the recycling market. As a result of these efforts, the Reuse and/or Recycle rate of plastic has increased from 11% to 37% over the past three years. In 2023, the amount of the disposed plastic waste was reduced by 119 tons compared to the previous year. We are also working towards zero emissions by properly incinerating waste plastics, recovering energy by using the heat generated during incineration to generate electricity, and recycling incineration residue as civil engineering materials.

SHIMANO INC. will continue to promote the resource circulation through our 3R activities, and contribute towards a more beautiful and better global environment.

Plastic trays that cannot be reused

Plastic trays sorted by material

Materials are recycled from sorted plastic trays