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ZSL: Global natural rubber production lacks transparency
Global natural rubber production lacks transparency and the necessary sustainability commitments to protect both people and wildlife, according to an analysis of the natural rubber industry undertaken by international conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London). ZSL assessed 15 of the “most significant” natural rubber companies and calculated an average score of just 35 per cent on SPOTT (Sustainability Policy Transparency Toolkit).
Continental & Spark Racing Technology begin Extreme E testing
Testing for the Extreme E off-road electric racing series began earlier this month at the Château de Lastours off-road proving grounds in the south of France. One question the tested aimed to answer during proceedings was how well the car and tyres work together. They also looked into any potential weaknesses in the electric race car’s physical and technical design, not least in its motor. The tests lasted several days and were run by Continental, tyre supplier to Extreme E, and Spark Racing Technology.
Continental wins inaugural Tyre Industry Environmental & Sustainable Solution Award
The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights has named Continental Tyre Group Ltd the inaugural winners of the Tyre Industry Environmental & Sustainable Solution Award. The accolade was presented at the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights White Tie Banquet. The independent judging panel looked for entries to show evidence of materially reducing the environmental impact of tyres and production over the product’s entire lifespan, whilst promoting sustainability and bringing environmental benefits to both business and wider society. Conti’s marketing director Tracey Mortimer said the award was “a huge honour,” which “highlights Continental’s commitment to environmental consideration.”
Pirelli: ‘Green Performance’ now half of all tyre sales
A decade ago, around 20 per cent of Pirelli tyres were made according to the company’s Green Performance strategy – with new production systems, reduced environmental impact and low energy consumption. The tyre maker reports this figure reached 49.8 per cent of sales last year, up from 43.5 per cent in 2017. Green Performance tyres accounted for 57.5 per cent of Pirelli’s High Value product sales.
Carmakers will look to ‘pool’ ahead of tough CO2 emission rules in Europe – GlobalData
As average vehicle CO2 emissions trend upwards in Europe, carmakers are looking to form ‘pools’ that can help avoid large fines under new tighter EU CO2 emission rules that come into force in 2021. Dave Leggett, automotive editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view.
Expert questions tyre role in marine pollution claims
Professor Richard Thompson OBE, who leads the International Marine Research Unit at the University of Plymouth, has questioned claims made by the Marine Conservation Society relating the role played by tyre wear in marine microplastic pollution.
Pirelli recognised as Climate Change leader
Pirelli & C. SpA has been recognized as a global leader in corporate climate action by CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project), achieving a place on the CDP Climate Change A list. An international non-profit organization, CDP gathers, distributes and promotes information on environmental questions. The A rating is the highest possible score awarded to a company.
Tyres & microplastics highlighted in Friends of the Earth report
According to a new report undertaken by Eunomia Research and Consulting for Friends of the Earth, up to 19,000 tonnes of microplastic pollution could be entering UK waterways every year from vehicle tyres. The report, titled Reducing Household Contributions to Marine Plastic Pollution, listed tyres in its ‘top ten’ list of items of concern, commenting that interventions and innovation, as well as governmental, business and scientific collaboration, may be required over the coming five years to solve the issue.
Tyre wear particles – minor problem for the industry or potential ‘tyregate’?
The UK government identifies tyres as potentially responsible for up to ten per cent of the microplastics in the world’s oceans, and some research conducted abroad suggests this proportion could be much higher. A study from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indicates that 28.3 per cent of all primary microplastics may come from tyre/road wear (this figure rises to 46.2 per cent when the IUCN includes both natural and synthetic rubber in its scenario), and earlier this year a marine biologist from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research singled out tyres as a “major influence” upon the presence of microplastics in our oceans. Taking such research at face value, it is feasible that the ‘dieselgate’ scandal could be followed at some stage by ‘tyregate’. Yet the tyre industry asserts that tyre/road wear isn’t the environmental and health risk some claim it to be. Continental’s Nikolai Setzer recently discussed this side of the argument.
SMPE aims for ISO environmental accreditation
Standard Motor Products Europe (SMPE), one of the UK’s largest independently owned automotive parts manufacturers and suppliers, is working towards its ISO14001:2015 accreditation, reflecting the company’s commitment to tier 1 customers and improved environmental performance.
Exol tests readiness with spillage exercise
Exol Lubricants has successfully facilitated an exercise simulating the response to a hydrocarbon spill incident at its bulk blending site in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Held on 21 September, the Oil Spill Incident Management Exercise was set in real time at Stevenson Wharf, Rotherham, and was designed to exercise the emergency response procedures and contingency plans in place for Canal and River Trust (CRT) North East.
One Tote, One Tree – Accella reports on replanting project
Accella Tire Fill Systems isn’t just responsible for seeing tyres filled with polyurethane liquid – it’s also filling forests in the USA with trees. To be precise, it has completed another year in its ongoing dedication to planting new trees in partnership with American Forests, the nation’s oldest non-profit conservation organisation.