Here’s how Yamaha's Japan factory approaches sustainability

Recently, we covered several new prototypes from Yamaha Motor Company Limited that make use of new-energy propulsion systems such as the Proto HEV and PHEV, as well as the Proto BEV that debuted at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. 

However, the company’s strides in sustainability are not only reflected in the products it presents, but also in how it finds ways to cut down unnecessary use of energy in its manufacturing processes. 

Not too long ago, Zigwheels Philippines joined select motoring journalists from various countries to visit Yamaha Motor Company Limited’s newly established CN1 carbon-neutral mass-production painting line in Iwata, Japan. 

Here’s what we discovered. 

Electricity replacing fossil fuels

One of the key transitions undertaken by the company’s painting line is the use of electricity in lieu of fossil fuels. 

Electric power is now what propels movement in the factory’s pre-treatment, painting, baking, and drying functions. This move began in February, so the change in power used to run the said lines has now been ongoing for approximately nine months. 

It was explained that to achieve an all-electric operation for the new CN1 painting line, Yamaha Motor Company Limited combined — and even cleared — a variety of technical requirements, such as: 

• Paint that can be used at lower temperatures 
• A more compact facility design 
• Insulation and air supply recycling technologies 

In doing so, the manufacturer has reduced wasted heat by approximately 60 percent. 

Other stories: Trackhouse MotoGP Team’s Aprilia RS-GP25 to wear new Gulf Oil liveries Suzuki PH launches all-new Access Yamaha Motor PH celebrates YClub’s 15th anniversary with moto expo

Man, machine 

Many of the procedures in the painting line are done by robots. These ensure precision in things like how paint is applied to the tank covers. 

During the factory tour, participants witnessed automated arms move and paint the said components with accuracy. And while some jobs are done by robots, it was good to see that these motorcycle parts still get some human touch. 

Final touches to these covers are applied by hand by skilled craftsmen. 

A Yamaha initiative 

After the tour, Yamaha Motor Company Limited confirmed that the move to make its paint line in Iwata more sustainable was made by the company itself. 

Many of us know that some brands follow government mandates that have policies enforcing carbon neutrality. But the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer took it upon itself to reduce its carbon footprint, reinforcing its position as a brand that sets “industry first” initiatives. 

For those wondering, some hundreds of motorcycle fuel tank covers are produced in the said Iwata factory on a daily basis. 

Also read: 

Here's why Yamaha Aerox no longer carries the Mio badging

Yamaha Motor PH produces OST with Nik Makino

WATCH: Yamaha Motor PH showcase Sniper 155, Mio Aerox in short film

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/