Managing materials for sustainability presents a range of challenges that we are tackling cooperatively with our suppliers. Among the aspects of sustainable materials management are:
- Closing loops in our production systems so that wastes become resources
- Developing and choosing more sustainable materials, including renewable and recycled materials
- Eliminating or reducing undesirable materials
- Planning for the "end of life" of the vehicle and its eventual treatment, recycling and disposal
- Analyzing how material choices affect vehicle performance in terms of handling, safety, fuel economy and other factors
Our targets for materials management address many of these areas and include:
- Reducing the weight of components
- Increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials
- Marking polymeric parts
- Reporting materials and substances used to the International Materials Data System (IMDS)
- Eliminating or reducing the use of restricted or allergenic substances
