Tyre manufacturer Michelin is committed to achieving on average 40% sustainable materials in its tyres by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
The group outlined the challenges associated with creating a 100% sustainable tyre at its first Media Day, held at the group’s global Research and Development centre in Clermont-Ferrand in France this month.
To address this, it is drawing on all of its innovatory ability, its capacity to develop new technologies in ecosystems, and is taking action at each stage of the tyre’s lifecycle. Michelin engineers are involved with a number of research projects, conducted in partnership with startups, laboratories and universities.
As early as the design phase, tyres incorporate an increasing amount of bio-sourced or recycled materials (natural rubber, bio-sourced resins and recycled plastic, besides others).
Michelin is also committed to reducing the environmental footprint of all of its production plants, in terms of the consumption of solvents and energy, generated waste, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and water abstraction.
For 2050, Michelin aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for all of its production plants; zero impact on water availability for local communities in which the group is active; and the total removal of solvents from tyre manufacturing.
In terms of logistics, the group undertakes to transport less, transport better and transport differently. Michelin, therefore, seeks to reduce CO2 emissions resulting from logistics by 15% by 2030 compared with 2018.
It is also gradually developing alternative means of transport, such as using electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as sailing cargo.
During road use, when between 75% and 90% of the tyre’s environmental impact occurs, Michelin is acting on a number of performance levers.
Further, at end-of-life, Michelin aims to transform used tyres into raw materials, which will be put back into the production process for making new tyres and manufacturing new products.
Michelin and fellow tyre manufacturer Bridgestone jointly launched a call to action on November 22 to enrich the recycling ecosystem for end-of-life tyres and to promote the circular economy within the rubber industry.