Del-Nat's Plants first Tree in Its 'Tires for Trees' Program

Del-Nat Tire Corp. is turning discarded tires into trees with its “Tires for Trees” program.

The company recently planted a 14-foot Sugar Maple tree and presented an $832 check to the Memphis City Beautiful Commission, as a result of its “Tires for Trees” program launched last spring.

In May, a volunteer team from Del-Nat, collected more than 800 used and discarded tires from around south Memphis. For every tire collected, Del- Nat donated $1 toward the purchase of trees by the commission.

In addition, the company donated the Sugar Maple planted during the presentation ceremony and the first tree to be planted as part of the program.

“The tree planting brings our initial effort to fruition,” said Jim Mayfield, president of Del-Nat. “Our ‘Tires for Trees’ program is a perfect way for Del-Nat to contribute to our community – helping to beautify our city and remove a health hazard in a blighted area. Disposing of discarded tires eliminates places where mosquitoes breed.

“You could say we’re completing the cycle, from delivering new tires to properly disposing of used ones,” he said. “We’re pleased with what has been accomplished thus far and plan to build on what we’ve started.”

Edwin Goudswaard is now officially serving as the head of research and development at Continental Tires. He succeeds Dr. Boris Mergell who took over as head of the user experience business area at Continental Automotive, also on September 1, 2023.

Goudswaard began his career at Continental in 2006, shortly after completing his mechanical engineering studies, the company said. Following an international R&D trainee program, he worked in virtual development and product development for original equipment tires. Between 2013 and 2021, Goudswaard assumed various management roles in R&D and in the production facilities for two-wheeler and passenger car tires in Europe and Asia. In 2021, he was appointed head of the two-wheel tire business area. He was most recently responsible for Continental’s global research and development activities in the passenger car tire replacement business.