Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced the launch of its first Toyota Circular Factory (TCF), a facility dedicated to processing end-of-life vehicles through recycling, repurposing, and remanufacturing. The initiative marks a significant step in Toyota’s broader sustainability efforts aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.
The inaugural TCF will be established at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, with operations scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year. The facility is designed to serve as a centre of excellence for future recycling processes across Europe and other global markets.
The primary objective of the TCF is to extract reusable components from decommissioned vehicles, remanufacture essential parts, and recycle raw materials. Reusable parts will be thoroughly inspected and validated before being reintroduced into the market through Toyota’s retail and distribution network. Commodity items such as batteries and wheels will be evaluated for potential remanufacturing, repurposing, or recycling, depending on their condition and viability. Additionally, raw materials including copper, aluminium, steel, and plastic will be recovered and processed to reduce reliance on virgin resources in new vehicle production.
Toyota expects the UK facility to recycle approximately 10,000 vehicles annually, recovering an estimated 120,000 parts. The operation is also projected to reclaim 300,000kg of high-purity plastic and 8,200,000kg of steel, significantly reducing waste and emissions associated with vehicle disposal.
The automaker intends to expand the TCF initiative across Europe, reinforcing its commitment to circularity and carbon neutrality. TME’s vice president of circular economy, Leon van der Merwe, outlined the company’s vision, stating that Toyota plans to extend similar operations beyond its own facilities and collaborate with other organisations that share its dedication to sustainable automotive solutions.
The establishment of the Circular Factory aligns with Toyota’s long-term environmental objectives. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality in all its owned facilities by 2030 and across its European product line-up by 2035. On a global scale, Toyota is committed to becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2040.
By pioneering advanced recycling and resource recovery strategies, Toyota continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable automotive manufacturing, setting a benchmark for the industry’s transition towards a more circular economy.
