Bridgestone Publishes Environmental Report

Bridgestone Europe has released the latest edition of its environmental report. The document, titled “Environmental Commitment and Performance,” updates the 2009 version and adds content on the upcoming European tire labeling legislation, Bridgestone’s new eco-oriented Ecopia tire range and the company’s environment-related activities in the community.

The main body of the new report presents the environmental impact of Bridgestone products and manufacturing processes following the scheme of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This evaluation technique looks at the total environmental impact of the product from cradle to grave – from raw materials selection, manufacturing and product use through to re-use, recycling or end-of-life disposal. As mentioned above, a new chapter deals with the forthcoming legislation for tire labeling, aimed at promoting fuel-efficient and safe tires with low noise levels. Bridgestone details the steps it is taking to meet this requirement, focusing on its new range of low-rolling-resistance Ecopia car tires introduced in Europe in 2009 and Ecopia truck tires, which were unveiled at the IAA Commercial vehicle show this month.

The report also highlights Bridgestone Europe’s activities aimed at educating the public about tire care and its ecological impact. It explains how maintaining tires properly and at the correct inflation pressure reduces both fuel consumption and carbon emissions. This was also one of the objectives of the global “Think Before You Drive” campaign – a joint initiative between Bridgestone and the FIA Foundation – which aimed to improve road safety by promoting more responsible driving habits and car maintenance, including tire care. The ecological impact of poor tire care is illustrated in the report by the results obtained from more than 30,000 safety tire checks undertaken by Bridgestone for motorists across Europe every year. (Tyres & Accessories)

The full report can be downloaded here.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."