I'm probably a bit cynical, but I sometimes (if not often) have a feeling of doubt when I read about the ecological promises of certain companies. When you hear tire manufacturers talk about their astronomical greenhouse gas reduction targets, it's hard not to have doubts. While it's likely that some companies won't reach their targets on time, Goodyear stands out from the rest for its intelligent and rather realistic plan.
At least, that's what the Science Based Targets initiative (or SBTi) concluded after its assessment of the American company's targets. A partnership between various non-governmental organizations, SBTi is designed to help companies achieve their ecological objectives. Of the 4,000 companies currently associated with the initiative, only half have had their objectives validated by scientific experts. Goodyear is proud to be one of them!
Halve GHG emissions by 2030?
SBTi began by examining the tire manufacturer's short-term targets, which aim to reduce GHG emissions in certain areas by 46.2% by 2030. That leaves Goodyear just six years to achieve this feat, but the scientific initiative believes it can be done. Notably, the automaker has committed to using only renewable electricity in its factories by 2030, and wants to bring to market a tire made from 100% sustainable materials.
Even Goodyear's long-term objectives have been validated by SBTi, which states that the company is on a trajectory to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Over the next three decades, the tire manufacturer is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to zero. The company will achieve this by reducing its reliance on non-sustainable materials, notably by replacing petroleum-derived oils by 2040.
While maintaining efficiency?
One of the most important issues facing Goodyear is finding a smart alternative to materials that haven't changed much since the company was founded. The reputation of the manufacturer and its products is well established, but maintaining it while reducing GHGs is a major challenge. For now, you can still enjoy Goodyear quality with winter tires like Ultra Grip Performance Gen-1 or Assurance Weatherready! However, it will be particularly interesting to see how the range evolves as the company pursues its ecological plan.
