{"id":171398,"date":"2025-12-09T07:29:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T06:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/?p=171398"},"modified":"2025-12-05T14:17:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T13:17:30","slug":"beyond-the-bike-growing-hondas-alternative-material-initiatives-through-bio-based-engineering-and-recycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/beyond-the-bike-growing-hondas-alternative-material-initiatives-through-bio-based-engineering-and-recycling\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the bike: Growing Honda\u2019s alternative material initiatives through Bio-based engineering and recycling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/media\/2025\/12\/5-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Beyond the bike: Growing Honda\u2019s alternative material  initiatives through Bio-based engineering and recycling\" class=\"wp-image-171395\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/media\/2025\/12\/5-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/media\/2025\/12\/5-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/media\/2025\/12\/5-150x84.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/media\/2025\/12\/5-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/media\/2025\/12\/5-400x225.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/media\/2025\/12\/5.jpeg 1350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beyond the bike: Growing Honda\u2019s alternative material  initiatives through Bio-based engineering and recycling\u00a0\u00a9 Honda<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Derived from inedible corn, DURABIO\u2122 is being increasingly used in Honda\u2019s motorcycle range thanks to its strength and excellent scratch resistance\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>First used on the Africa Twin, the material is now on six models in Honda\u2019s 26YM line up and is used on items such as handlebar covers through to entire fairings\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recycled pre-consumer plastics and recycled car bumpers are also being increasingly applied to further reduce dependence on new raw plastics\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Honda\u2019s triple action to zero<sup>[1]<\/sup>\u00a0is a company-wide mantra that encourages alternative thinking and clever solutions to reduce the impact of Honda\u2019s corporate activities on the planet.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The initiatives address carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation as the three leading factors that will see net zero emissions by 2050<sup>[2]<\/sup>. Beyond the creation of electric powered motorcycles and cars, and changes to production and logistic hubs to reduce CO2 output, Honda has also adopted the use of alternative materials on a number of motorcycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the SH125i and SH150i Vetro use semi-transparent unpainted fairing panels \u2013 production of which produces 9.5% fewer CO2 emissions over a year at Honda\u2019s Atessa factory compared to those of the standard painting processes<sup>[3]<\/sup>. In addition, a total of six bikes within the Honda range in Europe now feature recycled non-consumer plastics, and DURABIO\u2122, a bio-based engineering plastic developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG Group). It\u2019s already in place on several Honda production motorcycles, with more to come, but what exactly is it and why is it such a game changer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DURABIO\u2122 is derived from Isosorbide, and is a cutting-edge, plant-derived material made from renewable sources like inedible corns and wheats. Through a refining process, natural starches from the corn are converted into glucose, then into sorbitol, and finally into isosorbide\u2014a high-performance compound with a wide range of uses, which can replace traditional petroleum-based chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bio-Based Innovation Meets High-Performance Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike conventional engineering plastics, DURABIO\u2122, offers a unique combination of optical clarity, toughness, and surface durability. Its ability to offer both excellent transparency and vivid colour expression allows Honda to create sophisticated aesthetics without the need for painting, eliminating an entire step from the production process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to delivering an elegant, glossy finish, DURABIO\u2122 exhibits high scratch resistance, impact strength, and long-term UV stability<sup>[4]<\/sup>&nbsp;&#8211; making it ideal for high-performance applications such as motorcycle components. These features have already been well received by motorcycling media in &nbsp;Europe, where DURABIO\u2122 is used in the bodywork and windshields of Honda\u2019s flagship CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure bike, the NT1100 tourer, ultra-versatile NC750X, the CB1000GT sports tourer, as well as the \u2018two-wheeled SUV\u2019 X-ADV and the Forza 750 maxi-scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expanding Use Across the Honda Motorcycle Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Honda first introduced DURABIO\u2122 in the windscreen of the CRF1100L Africa Twin family, &nbsp;released in March 2024. This made history as the world\u2019s first motorcycle windscreen made from bio-based engineering plastic<sup>[5]<\/sup>, and was quickly followed by the X-ADV utilising DURABIO\u2122 in both its skirt cover and windscreen. At the same time, it was incorporated into the Forza 750\u2019s handlebar central cover and front side cowl, seamlessly blending into its surroundings thanks to the high-quality finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The NT1100 came next. With its 25YM update it gained a redesigned front fairing, partially made of DURABIO\u2122, whilst the current line-up was completed with the 25YM NC750X that adopted the material for its middle cowl, side cover, rear side cowl, and windscreen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The NC750X marked another step in the application of DURABIO\u2122 for Honda, with it becoming its first motorcycle to utilise coloured DURABIO\u2122 on the bodywork of its Earth Black and Earth Ivy Ash Green colour options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 26YM CB1000GT, as unveiled at EICMA 2025, is the latest model to feature a DURABIO\u2122 component, with its windscreen made of the material.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Multi-faceted approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst DURABIO\u2122 is one approach to consciously reducing consumption of plastics, Honda has employed a number of other approaches to its bikes to help move away from the use of raw materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recycled automobile bumpers have long been used in the automotive division for non-structural parts such as under-covers and grilles<sup>[6]<\/sup>&nbsp;but thanks to design optimization the material, which had previously been difficult to apply to motorcycles,&nbsp;were applied to the luggage box of the 25YM NC750X and X-ADV, whilst the 25YM Forza 750 utilized the material on the base of its seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of Honda\u2019s expanded use of recycled resin materials, the brand has started using&nbsp;pre-consumer recycled polypropylene (PP). These are materials derived from scraps generated during the manufacturing and moulding processes of automobile components and home appliances, which are&nbsp;crushed, compounded,&nbsp;pelletised and reused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because PP has known properties, it can be adjusted to have the same physical properties as virgin material, while also avoiding the risk of contamination with regulated chemical substances. The X-ADV and Forza 750 lead the charge on application, with each utilizing over 15 parts made from the material, whilst the 26YM&nbsp;CB1000F is the latest model to join the list, with its rear mudguard and seat bottom panel made from pre-consumer&nbsp;recycled PP.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving a Circular Future with Smart Resource Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Honda\u2019s adoption of DURABIO\u2122 and other recycled materials is in keeping with its broader five key principles of resource circulation, aimed at shifting from a linear &#8220;take-make-dispose&#8221; model to a circular value chain. The principles are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Business Innovation: Building recycling-oriented systems that maximize material use across a product\u2019s lifecycle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advanced Recycling: Investing in new recycling technologies to improve economic and environmental performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data Traceability: Leveraging digital tools to track lifecycle CO2 emissions and improve resource recovery rates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Circular Design: Engineering products for easy disassembly and reuse, including selecting materials with high recyclability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Circular Value Chain: Collaborating with supply chain partners to ensure consistent sourcing, processing, and reuse of recycled materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Honda is focused on reducing dependence on finite resources and developing scalable solutions to minimize ecological impact. Currently, about 90% of raw materials used in new vehicles are newly mined<sup>[7]<\/sup>. By adopting renewable and recyclable alternatives like DURABIO\u2122, Honda is actively working to lower its CO2 emissions, conserve resources, and mitigate any future risks of material scarcity<sup>[8]<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honda\u2019s integration of DURABIO\u2122 into its motorcycle lineup is reflective of the brand\u2019s mission to deliver the \u201cjoy and freedom of mobility\u201d, while actively trying to reduce its environmental footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>[1]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/global.honda\/en\/environment\/materiality\/\">https:\/\/global.honda\/en\/environment\/materiality\/<\/a><br>[2]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/global.honda\/en\/environment\/initiatives\/carbon_neutrality\/\">https:\/\/global.honda\/en\/environment\/initiatives\/carbon_neutrality\/<\/a><br>[3, 8]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.honda.co.uk\/content\/dam\/sustainability\/Honda-EER-Full-Report-Final-Version-for-Publication.pdf\">https:\/\/www.honda.co.uk\/content\/dam\/sustainability\/Honda-EER-Full-Report-Final-Version-for-Publication.pdf<\/a><br>[4]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.m-chemical.co.jp\/en\/products\/departments\/mcc\/pc\/product\/1201026_9368.html\">https:\/\/www.m-chemical.co.jp\/en\/products\/departments\/mcc\/pc\/product\/1201026_9368.html<\/a><br>[5]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcgc.com\/english\/news_release\/01963.html\">https:\/\/www.mcgc.com\/english\/news_release\/01963.html<\/a><br>[6]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/global.honda\/jp\/news\/2023\/4230928.html\">https:\/\/global.honda\/jp\/news\/2023\/4230928.html<\/a><br>[7]&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/global.honda\/en\/environment\/initiatives\/resource_use_and_circular_economy\/\">https:\/\/global.honda\/en\/environment\/initiatives\/resource_use_and_circular_economy\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Honda\u2019s triple action to zero[1]\u00a0is a company-wide mantra that encourages alternative thinking and clever solutions to reduce the impact of Honda\u2019s corporate activities on the planet. The initiatives address carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation as the three leading factors that will see net zero emissions by 2050[2]. Beyond the creation of electric powered [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":171395,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","nova_meta_subtitle":"The initiatives address carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation as the three leading factors that will see net zero emissions by 2050","footnotes":""},"categories":[5572],"tags":[5838,5847,10416,10453],"supplier":[5306,1009],"class_list":["post-171398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bio-based","tag-bioeconomy","tag-bioplastics","tag-circulareconomy","tag-recycling","supplier-honda","supplier-mitsubishi-chemical"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=171398"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171398\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/171395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=171398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=171398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=171398"},{"taxonomy":"supplier","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/supplier?post=171398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}