Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc., which produces passenger tires, has achieved "complete zero emissions -- that is, no waste is subject to direct landfill disposal," according to its parent, Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.
The achievement is four years in the making.Yokohama tire Philippines started by recycling paper waste from offices. It conducted "recycle collection events" of recyclable resources that grew to include plastic containers and used cans.
In November 2009, a team of Zero Emission Responsible Officers ("ZERO") representing each department and manufacturing process was formed to promote zero emissions activities, including monthly patrols. "In this way, the entire company, with the participation of each of its employees, worked to achieve the goal via thorough, affirmative separation of recyclable resources," says Yokohama Rubber.
Yokohama Tire Philipines also is working on "100% waste recycling, which includes constructing planters, chairs, tables and trash boxes out of waste rubber materials and used containers from the plant, and then distributing them to schools, hospitals and public facilities in the region.
As stated in its "Medium-Range Management Plan: Grand Design 100 (GD100)," the Yokohama Rubber Group has endorsed the concept of "top-level environmental friendliness." A priority issue in that declaration is the reduction of waste emissions at domestic and overseas production sites.
Yokohama Rubber's eight production sites in Japan have maintained "complete zero emissions" since March 2006, and have achieved 100% recycling of industrial waste.
All overseas production sites are aiming to achieve "complete zero emissions" by the end of its fiscal year 2011, which ends March 31, 2011. In addition to the Philippines subsidiary, Hangzhou Yokohama Tire Co. Ltd. in China and Yokohama Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. have met that goal.
