Toyota endorses first model ELV dismantler in the Philippines

Automotive leader Toyota has endorsed En Tsumugi ELV Dismantler Corp as a model end-of-life vehicle (ELV) dismantling facility, the first of its kind in the country, located in Mexico, Pampanga.

A wholly owned venture of the Hung family—owner of local metal recycling companies Supreme Mile Trading Corp (SMTC) and CoroCrown Corp, En Tsumugi is a result of a pilot project led by Japanese ELV dismantler Tsuruoka Co Ltd and financially supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Several Japanese businesses, including Toyota Motor Corp (Toyota) and Mitsui & Co Ltd provided business development and technical assistance.

At the ceremonial inauguration of En Tsumugi ELV Dismantler Corp are, from left, Mitsui & Co Ltd-Manila branch country chair Kazuhiro Nomura, Hashimoto, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Technical Division Chief Joel Bolano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines Kazuya Endo, Japan International Cooperation Agency Philippines Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto, En Tsumugi ELV Dismantler Corp lead representative Riczon Hung, and Tsuruoka Co Ltd president and CEO Masaaki Tsuruoka

The establishment of En Tsumugi is a significant milestone in the Philippine automotive industry’s push for a responsible management system for ELVs, or those vehicles with components classified by the local authorities as waste. The facility, open to various car makes, will serve as a benchmark in further developing the local recycling industry while promoting environmental sustainability and the adoption of best practices and foreign expertise.

Toyota certifies En Tsumugi as a proper ELV dismantling facility. Shown, from left, are Hashimoto, En Tsumugi ELV Dismantler Corp’s chief financial officer John Hung, Riczon Hung, and chief executive officer Paulo Hung

Through its local unit, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp (TMP), Toyota’s involvement in the project includes providing technical support in various areas, such as environmental compliance, facility design, dismantling methodology, equipment requirements, and hazardous waste management.

Furthermore, TMP donated five ELVs, including one hybrid electric vehicle, to En Tsumugi as training units for further equipping and enhancing of the facility’s capabilities.

TMP turns over donated ELV units to En Tsumugi at the TMP Manufacturing Plant in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. Shown is John Hung (2nd from left) together with TMP general administration officers

Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project

“The establishment of a local ELV dismantler aligns with the goals of the ‘Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project,’ which aims to establish a network of proper ELV dismantling facilities worldwide,” said TMP President Masando Hashimoto during the inauguration ceremony of En Tsumugi in Pampanga.

The project seeks to address the environmental challenges posed by ELVs, such as pollution and resource depletion, by promoting proper dismantling and recycling practices, which also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

At the same event, TMP bestowed its Certificate of Gratitude to En Tsumugi. Hashimoto also mentioned that En Tsumugi is the fourth ELV dismantler in the Southeast Asian region to receive this endorsement, following similar facilities in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Toyota implements the Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project as part of its efforts towards “Establishing a Recycling-based Society and System” under the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, which was globally introduced in 2015.

Watch TessDrive’s feature on En Tsumugi’s inauguration last Sept. 30 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eFZfaM1sXU&t=295s