#Japan #Sunstar #Suzuka #Team Suzuki #Suzuka 8-Hour

Sunstar's Environmental Commitment at the Suzuka 8-Hour

Sunstar Group, a global leader in automotive components, is set to participate in the upcoming 2025 FIM World Endurance Championship's Suzuka 8-Hour race with an advanced focus on sustainability. Scheduled for August 1-3, 2025, the race will see Sunstar supplying the Team Suzuki CN Challenge with eco-friendly brake discs and pads that not only meet last year's environmental reduction standards but also enhance braking performance.

The Team Suzuki CN Challenge, initiated by Suzuki Motor Corporation, aims to tackle challenges related to carbon neutrality and reducing environmental impact through various innovative technologies. Competing on a Suzuki GSX-R1000R, the team will utilize sustainably sourced fuels, environmentally optimized tires, oils, plastics, and, significantly, advanced brake components. With their participation, Sunstar aims to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in motorsports.

Innovations in Brake Disc Technology

Since 2021, Sunstar has partnered with Suzuki to innovate brake manufacturing processes, significantly phasing out thermal treatment methods in producing brake discs. This initiative has led to a remarkable 50% reduction in CO2 emissions during manufacturing. Additionally, the new brake discs feature dimpled surfaces, enhancing pad cleaning and crack resistance, showcasing a blend of practical performance and environmental responsibility.

This year, Sunstar has upped its game by collaborating with Tokai Carbon Co., a major player in the production of the brake pads. Together, they have refined the composition and manufacturing process of the pads, addressing challenges from the previous year’s performance, particularly in how braking efficiency varied with temperature. The updated formula has resulted in a consistent friction coefficient, improving control and effectiveness across a broader temperature range.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sunstar is not just focusing on immediate race success, but is also aiming for long-term environmental goals, including carbon neutrality and a circular economy approach. Their overarching commitment covers product development, operational processes, and broader sustainability strategies.

Features of the New Brake Components:

• - Brake Discs: Elimination of thermal treatment processes, achieving about a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions during production. The dimpled surface enhances both pad cleaning and durability.
• - Brake Pads: Developed specifically for the new brake discs. They maintain equivalent performance levels while reducing wear by approximately 15%, contributing to lower dust emissions.

Sunstar's Experience

Established in 1961, Sunstar has a strong legacy in manufacturing braking components for motorcycles and has captured a leading market share by providing OEM parts to numerous motorcycle manufacturers. Their race-specific brake discs, particularly the Type-OMEGA series, have gained significant traction, contributing to victories in top racing events around the globe. Additionally, since 1993, they have expanded into the consumer market offering custom parts to a diverse clientele.

Learning from Competition

Participating in races such as the Suzuka 8-Hour not only allows Sunstar to prove their products’ superiority on the track but also serves as a critical feedback loop for enhancing their technology. All insights and data garnered from competitive environments are evaluated for integration into future production cycles, thereby fostering continual improvement in both performance and environmental impact.

About Sunstar Group

Sunstar Group, based in Switzerland, encompasses a diverse portfolio of consumer products ranging from oral care to health supplements and cosmetics. The company has also expanded into industrial markets, producing components and adhesive materials for automotive and construction sectors. With its extensive history dating back to 1932, Sunstar has evolved significantly, continuously adapting to market demands while emphasizing sustainability and innovation in all its business ventures.

For more information about Sunstar's racing activities, check out their dedicated webpage here.