Toyota has launched what it describes as a ‘first of a kind’ car recycling factory.

The plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, processes aluminium from alloy wheels from end of life vehicles so that they can be reused by incorporating them in engine component production at the car firm’s Deeside plant in North Wales.

These are then shipped back to Burnaston to be installed in its Corolla vehicles.

The first cars using this method came off the line this month in “a significant step forward in Toyota’s ambition to expand the use of recovered, recycled and re-used materials and parts”, says the car firm.

“Toyota has a proud history of establishing the Toyota Production System, principles that have become the global standard for manufacturing efficiency,” said the firm’s circular economy and energy business vice president Leon Van Der Merwe.

“Now we are applying the same concept to circularity, designing systems that will help ensure the maximum benefits are realised from end-of-life vehicle feedstock.

“Ultimately, the ambition is to progressively establish a circular economy model where resources flow through multiple lifecycles, reducing environmental impact, improving material security and supporting Toyota’s long-term environmental commitment.”

Following the launch of the pilot circular factory at Burnaston in summer 2025, Toyota has announced the initiative will gain a second location in Europe at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland’s Wałbrzych plant.

This is “the next step in building a regional network of circular operations with the potential to go beyond Toyota’s own activities and contribute to the wider manufacturing ecosystem”, it added.

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