This month, CEOs from 10 global tire manufacturers convened to confirm a two-year work plan for the Tire Industry Project (TIP), focusing on sustainability research and initiatives throughout the tire lifecycle. This plan, covering the years 2024 and 2025, includes research on tire emissions and strategies for managing end-of-life tires.
TIP Executive Director Larisa Kryachkova highlighted the commitment of the group. “Our new workplan underscores the commitment of our members to a tire value-chain that has positive impact on people and planet,” she said. “We are evolving and taking an increasingly collaborative and solution-oriented approach to building the knowledge, engagement, and action required to drive a sustainable tire lifecycle.”
TIP, co-chaired by Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin, also includes members such as Hankook, Kumho, Pirelli, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Toyo Tires and Yokohama. The project’s progress is regularly reviewed by the CEOs of these companies and an assurance group of independent scientists, TIP said.
Key elements of the 2024-2025 work plan include:
- Tire-emission research and mitigation: TIP plans to hold a global conference to advance understanding and action on tire emissions, including tire and road wear particles (TRWP). The project will also call for studies into tire emissions and launch TRWP-mitigation pilot projects.
- End-of-life tire management: TIP aims to enhance the sustainable management of end-of-life tires, contributing to international guidelines and providing workshops, tools, and data for circular tire management.
- Sustainability assessments: The project will develop specific sustainability definitions and methodologies for the tire industry, aiming to align and improve transparency in sustainability reporting.
The review of the 2022-2023 work plan highlighted six peer-reviewed scientific studies, including research on TRWP aging in the environment and methods to identify TRWP in environmental samples. It also reported on regional workshops for end-of-life tire management, culminating in a report on challenges and potential solutions in various regions, including the US, Europe, China and India. Additionally, TIP expanded its reporting on key performance indicators related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
