BlueRebirth Council aims to establish a car-to-car recycling system

Japanese companies Denso Corp., Toray Industries Inc., Nomura Research Institute Ltd., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Matec Inc. and Rever Corp. have established the BlueRebirth Council, which aims to build a manufacturing and recycling integrated value chain to develop car-to-car recycling, starting with automated precision dismantling.

The BlueRebirth Council aims to address challenges in automotive recycling, including material contamination from the shredding of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), and increase collaboration between manufacturers and recyclers.

According to the council, the automotive recycling industry faces challenges in promoting automation, digitalization and in addressing worker shortages by improving workplace environments. By 2035, the council says it aims to change the automotive recycling industry into a “recycled materials manufacturing industry.”

As specific initiatives, the council will advance technology development and demonstration projects with participating companies, research institutions and other stakeholders, starting with the automated precision dismantling of ELVs to build a manufacturing and recycling integrated value chain. BlueRebirth says it also will make recommendations to relevant companies and organizations and engage in discussions and research.

Automated precision dismantling uses artificial intelligence, or AI, and sensor technologies to allow robots to operate along optimal disassembly paths. The council says this method ensures the volume and quality of recycled materials and contributes to solving worker shortages.

The council has 30 member companies.