Global demand for natural rubber is outpacing supply, so stakeholders in the global tyre industry need to ensure sustainability is a guiding ethos in its operations, GRI states. The Sri Lankan manufacturer says sustainability in sourcing, production and disposal are key to its goals.
Volkswagen has called the launch of its ID.3 electric car the most significant since the Golf. But the launch is also a milestone for one of its tyre partners. Following the news that Bridgestone would supply its Enliten-enhanced Turanza Eco tyres to the ID.3, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer has outlined the benefits of its low rolling resistance, reduced materials technology, available on the road for the first time on the ID.3. Bridgestone says Enliten Technology “sets a new lowered standard in material use and rolling resistance to deliver significant environmental benefits,” making it ideally suited to a car launch characterised as a milestone in sustainability.
Continental has been recognised for its bicycle tyres manufactured with dandelion rubber with a brace of design awards. The Urban Taraxagum has won the prestigious Red Dot Design award, and the E-Bike Design & Innovation Award in the Sustainability & Green category by Focus E-Bike magazine. The two awards recognised different aspects of the tyre. The Red Dot Award lauded the design of the tread of the tyre, based on the cell shape of the dandelion. Meanwhile Focus E-Bike commended the sustainability of rubber extraction from dandelions.
Tyre manufacturer Hankook has received a platinum medal for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement. The medal was awarded by the French rating agency Ecovadis in particular recognition of Hankook’s sustainability initiatives. The medal is awarded to companies in the top one per cent of their industry sector.
One of Bridgestone’s largest European Bandag franchisees, Top Treads, stayed open during the current pandemic in order “to support our customers, changing working practices” while also “implementing social distancing”, according to Top Treads’ owner and managing director Steve Evans. Moving forward, the firm’s faith in its sustainable retread products is beginning to reap dividends in the demanding commercial tyre market.
Pirelli has inaugurated a new driving simulator at its research and development division in Milan. The manufacturer says it is using its experience with simulation in Formula 1 to accelerate road tyre development cycles and tyre testing, reducing lead times and reinforcing partnerships with leading car makers with increased agility. Pirelli is the latest premium brand tyre maker to implement new simulation technology into its R&D department, following announcements by Michelin and Goodyear. The Italian brand adds that the new simulator is the latest instalment of its digitalisation strategy.
Pirelli holds the distinction of being the only company within the automotive components sector to achieve ‘Gold Class’ in the SAM Sustainability Yearbook 2020. Other tyre makers to gain a ranked position in the Yearbook were Hankook Tire & Technology and Nokian Tyres, which both achieved SAM Bronze Class, and Bridgestone Corporation, which was acknowledged as a Sustainability Yearbook Member.
CEOs of 11 leading tyre manufacturers met to review progress and confirm the ongoing mandate of the leading global forum for tyre manufacturers on sustainability issues – the Tire Industry Project.
Founded in 2005, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) is a global CEO-led initiative undertaken by leading tyre manufacturing companies to research potential human health and environmental impacts of tyres throughout their lifecycle. TIP operates under the umbrella of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and is co-chaired by Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Michelin.
Pirelli has been ‘Highly Commended’ within the Corporate and Social Responsibility Award for its approach to sustainability, and natural rubber sourcing at the 2019 Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) Awards. The NAA judging panel congratulated Pirelli for “showing everyone that no matter how difficult, everyone has a part to play in ensuring an ethical supply chain.”
Birla released its seventh annual sustainability report titled Evolving Sustainably, Together on 18 September 2019. The 2019 report focuses on sustainable operational excellence, product and process innovation, customer engagement, sustainable supply chain enhancement, and community outreach efforts. It is aligned with international standards set by the GRI and CDP and highlights efforts initiated by Birla Carbon in collaboration with leading sustainability, environment and risk agencies to achieve its objectives in alignment with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Pirelli shares news of its confirmation as “world leader” in Sustainability in the Automobiles and Components sector of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) World and Europe indices. This status comes courtesy of RobecoSam and S&P Dow Jones’ annual review of the indices that will apply from 23 September.
The 2015-initiated collaboration between the Michelin Group and the French office of the World Wide Fund for Nature has been renewed for a further four years. The tyre maker will continue working with WWF France towards sustainability within the natural rubber market. In the coming four years, the partnership will further develop an existing pilot project in Indonesia and additionally open up the collaboration to include sustainable mobility and the protection of biodiversity.
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.”
GRI
Bridgestone
Continental
Hankook
Bridgestone; Bandag; Top Treads