TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) has thrown its support behind the launch of En Tsumugi, a groundbreaking facility in Pampanga dedicated to the responsible dismantling and recycling of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).
The venture, owned by the Hung family and supported by local metal recycling companies Supreme Mile Trading Corp. (SMTC) and CoroCrown Corp., is the result of a pilot project led by Japanese ELV dismantler Tsuruoka Co. Ltd., with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project received business development and technical support from several Japanese corporations, including Toyota and Mitsui and Co. Ltd.
The opening of En Tsumugi marks a significant milestone in the Philippine automotive industry’s efforts to establish a responsible management system for ELVs — vehicles that have reached the end of their functional life and are classified as waste by local authorities. En Tsumugi is set to become a benchmark for best practices in vehicle recycling, combining local initiatives with foreign expertise to promote environmental sustainability and bolster the local recycling industry.
Toyota’s involvement in the project was spearheaded by TMP, which provided technical expertise in critical areas such as environmental compliance, dismantling methodologies, facility design, and hazardous waste management. TMP also donated five ELVs — including one hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) — to the facility for training purposes, enabling En Tsumugi to enhance its operational capabilities as it begins servicing a variety of vehicle makes.The establishment of En Tsumugi aligns with the objectives of Toyota’s “Global 100 Dismantlers Project,” seeking to create a worldwide network of facilities dedicated to the proper dismantling and recycling of ELVs.During the inauguration ceremony, TMP President Masando Hashimoto highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “The launch of this local ELV dismantler is an important step toward addressing the environmental challenges posed by end-of-life vehicles. By promoting responsible recycling practices, we contribute not only to pollution reduction but also to the conservation of valuable resources.”The Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project was launched as part of the automaker’s broader “Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050” introduced globally in 2015. The project aims to build a recycling-based society by reducing waste, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving resources through innovative vehicle dismantling techniques. Toyota’s support for the development of ELV facilities worldwide reinforces its commitment to creating sustainable solutions within the automotive industry.At the inauguration, TMP also presented a Certificate of Gratitude to En Tsumugi, recognizing the facility as a key partner in achieving Toyota’s environmental goals. En Tsumugi is the fourth ELV dismantler in Southeast Asia to receive such an endorsement, following similar projects in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.With Toyota’s expertise in environmental sustainability and vehicle recycling, the launch of En Tsumugi sets a new standard for responsible vehicle disposal in the Philippines. The facility will play a crucial role in the country’s move toward creating a more sustainable automotive ecosystem, reducing waste, and minimizing the environmental impact of ELVs.
