Toyoda Gosei has introduced a new recycling method aimed at producing high-quality plastic from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), responding to growing industry demand amid stricter environmental regulations.

Designed to support a decarbonised, circular economy, the company’s technology will be initially applied in various vehicle models, starting with the Toyota Camry.

Toyoda said it has succeeded in developing a recycled plastic containing 50% ELV polypropylene that maintains performance levels equivalent to new material.

This advancement was achieved through collaboration with Isono, which supplies high-grade raw materials for recycling.

Toyoda Gosei utilised its proprietary material modification technology to meet automotive part quality standards, making the material viable for practical use.

The process promotes horizontal recycling, allowing the reused plastic to be applied in the same types of parts, thereby contributing to reduced carbon emissions, the company said.

According to the company, this marks the first instance globally of recycled plastic with 50% ELV content being used in impact-resistant interior automotive components, such as glove boxes.

This initiative is part of Toyoda Gosei’s broader strategy to enhance recycling efforts for plastics and rubber, with decarbonisation as a central objective outlined in its 2030 Business Plan.

The company also plans to extend the application of this recycled plastic to a wider range of automotive products, particularly those linked to vehicle design.

In March 2025, Toyoda Gosei developed a new steering wheel tailored for steer-by-wire systems.

The new steering wheel will be introduced in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Lexus RZ battery electric vehicle.

The compact steering wheel features a design similar to an aircraft yoke, made possible by the elimination of traditional steering wheel rotations.