S&P Global Q&A: Treading Lightly: Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ Path to Sustainability

Sustainability in the automotive tire industry is increasingly becoming a focal point as manufacturers respond to environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. The production of tires traditionally involves significant resource consumption, including fossil fuels, natural rubber and various chemicals, leading to substantial greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. However, industry players are pursuing initiatives to mitigate these impacts.

Key strategies include the adoption of sustainable materials, such as bio-based rubbers and recycled components. Many companies are setting ambitious targets for the use of sustainable raw materials, aiming for a 100% sustainable materials ratio by 2050. For instance, the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has recognized several tire manufacturers for their scientifically sound greenhouse gas reduction targets, which often include substantial cuts in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. …

To learn more, we spoke to Bernd Löwenhaupt, managing director of Sumitomo Rubber Europe GmbH. …

Source: S&P Global