SPECIAL REPORT: SUSTAINABILITY A “ 20 s we edge closer to new sustainability standards and regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe, sustainability is top of mind across all industries. By 2025, the first large and listed companies will have completed mandatory reporting on the impact of their operations on people and the environment. Globally, more initiatives like this are coming into force in preparation for meeting net zero targets by 2050. Given we’re a mere 26 years away from this deadline, there’s plenty of work to be done. Tire manufacturers have a significant impact on the environment but this affords them the opportunity to set examples to dramatically reduce emissions too. Each stage of a tire’s lifecycle has emissions-saving potential. “There is the procurement of raw materials, then comes the manufacturing stage, then comes transportation of the tire, its use phase and the end of life,” says Rinika Grover, head of sustainability and CSR at Apollo Tyres. It’s important to reduce emissions at every stage of a tire’s lifecycle. Pete Robb, a sustainability expert at Continental, says, “We develop sustainable solutions along the entire value chain of a tire. No part can be looked at independently.” Grover agrees that silo working is not a productive way to approach a company or supply chain decarbonization strategy. Instead, she says, “We present our sustainability journey to our suppliers. There are some suppliers who are ahead of Apollo’s curve so it’s good to learn from them.” Although no part should be looked at in isolation, every stage in the supply chain has its own decarbonization challenges and potential remedies. First, raw material can be assessed from two perspectives. Considering the materials themselves, manufacturers are opting for more environmentally friendly alternative materials. “These include waste products from agriculture (such as the ash from rice husks), rubber from dandelions, recycled rubber or recycled PET bottles,” Robb says. We develop sustainable solutions along the entire value chain of a tire. No part can be looked at independently” Pete Robb, sustainability expert, Continental www.tiretechnologyinternational.com March 2024