In the race to reduce emissions and champion sustainability, Goodyear is setting the pace with its ambitious goal of introducing a maintenance-free tyre made entirely of sustainable materials by 2030. While the automotive industry has been abuzz with discussions about transitioning from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to Electric Vehicles (EV) and alternative fuels, Goodyear South Africa's managing director, Richard Fourie, emphasises the need to look beyond just powertrains and fuel types.
"The average car has approximately 30,000 parts in an ICE car – from the large body panels to the smallest screws and nuts," Fourie points out. This statement underscores the importance of considering all components of a vehicle when striving for a more eco-friendly transportation future.
In 2021, Goodyear showcased its commitment to sustainability by unveiling a tyre that utilised carbon blacks derived from methane, carbon dioxide, and plant-based oils. This innovative approach replaced the conventional compounds typically used in tyre manufacturing. The tyre also incorporated other sustainable materials like soybean oil, rice husk ash silica, and polyester recycled from bottles.
Further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable tyre technology, Goodyear introduced a prototype tyre at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this year. Comprising 90% sustainable materials, this tyre not only set a new benchmark in eco-friendly tyre production but also demonstrated lower rolling resistance compared to its traditionally-made counterparts. Such advancements are pivotal in the quest to reduce the automotive industry's carbon footprint.
A 2020 report by Emissions Analytics, a renowned global testing and data specialist, highlighted that pollution from tyre wear surpassed that of exhaust emissions. This revelation brought tyre giants like Michelin and Goodyear under the spotlight, urging them to address the environmental impact of tyre wear particles and the compounds used in tyre production. In response to these environmental concerns, the revised Euro 7 regulations now encompass non-exhaust emissions, specifically focusing on particles produced by vehicle brakes and tyres.
With global concerns about climate change, Goodyear is leading the way by focusing on eco-friendly tyres. This is part of their bigger goal for a cleaner driving future. As Fourie says, "To truly go green, we must look beyond just fuel and consider all parts of a car."
