Throughout human history, every turn of the wheel is deeply connected to the future. From the invention of vulcanized rubber to the adoption of sustainable materials, Goodyear, a 126-year-old tire manufacturer, remains committed to exploring green solutions through technological innovation. Curious about its success? Join us to delve into the remarkable journey of the global tire giant and discover the legendary story of how tires are shaping the future of mobility.

As the first global tire manufacturer to invest in China in 1994, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (Goodyear) has consistently led the industry in advancing technology and performance standards. The company was named after Charles Goodyear, known as the father of modern rubber and the inventor of the vulcanization method, a breakthrough that revolutionized rubber production and laid the groundwork for the tire, automotive, and aerospace industries. To honor this significant achievement, the founder Frank Seiberling chose the name Goodyear for the company and adopted the winged foot of Mercury as its logo which symbolizes speed and agility. From its inception, Goodyear has not only embraced Charles Goodyear鈥檚 pioneering rubber technologies but has also inherited his spirit of resilience and exploration in the face of challenges. Goodyear has excelled in the tire industry through 126 years of trials and triumphs. In this story, we will explore the remarkable journey of Goodyear as it integrates low-carbon principles into its DNA, and champions the eco-friendly transformation of the tire industry. Committed to sustainable development, it is striding toward a brighter future.

A Century of Innovation Based on Sustainable Development

In the context of global climate change, the relationship between ecological protection and economic development is dialectically unified and mutually reinforcing. Promoting ecological conservation and low-carbon circular development not only addresses the increasing demands of stakeholders for a better ecological environment but also effectively navigates enterprises toward a higher-quality, more efficient, equitable, sustainable, and safer development pathway.

Reflecting on its history of over 100 years, Goodyear has been focusing on user needs, and leveraging its strong innovation capabilities to drive the industry in setting new standards for technology and performance. As a participant, defender, and supporter of China鈥檚 30路60 Decarbonization Goal and a pioneer in the tire industry, Goodyear maintains a forward-looking mindset and has established a blueprint for sustainable development with readily achievable targets, staying attuned to contemporary trends. Goodyear is committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050 from a 2019 base year. In addition, the company has promised to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year, and absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities and upstream transportation by 28% within the same timeframe. On top of setting near- and long-term climate goals, Goodyear intends to use 100% renewable electricity in all manufacturing facilities by 2030 and 100% renewable energy in all manufacturing facilities by 2040. Meanwhile, the company is dedicated to launching tires made from 100% sustainable materials by 2030 and aims to completely replace petroleum-derived oil in all its products by 2040.

To fulfill these sustainability commitments, Goodyear has prioritized the R&D of tires with sustainable materials and the construction of smart and sustainable plants. The company is dedicated to fostering low-carbon development within the automotive industry by collaborating with stakeholders to deliver cutting-edge technologies, products, and services that are more eco-friendly throughout the entire value chain, from raw material R&D to manufacturing and resource recycling. 

R&D on Sustainable Materials: An Eco-conscious Practice in Tire Technology

How can we effectively reduce the carbon footprint of products while pushing the boundaries of innovation in sustainable materials, while not compromising on quality, safety, or customer satisfaction? Goodyear鈥檚 answer lies in prioritizing sustainable materials as a key driver for enhancing the eco-friendliness of its tire technology.

Following the release of a demonstration tire containing 70% sustainable materials in 2022, Goodyear鈥檚 procurement and technical teams have pull out all the stops to further increase the proportion of sustainable materials in tire manufacturing while maintaining high standards for performance, durability, and safety. In January 2023, the company launched another demonstration tire with 90% sustainable-material content.

The significant enhancement of sustainability in this demonstration tire, compared to conventional mass-produced tires, can be attributed to the inclusion of various featured bio-based ingredients. For instance, to improve the rubber compound reinforcement and increase the tires鈥?life, Goodyear鈥檚 R&D team has innovatively utilized four different types of carbon black that are produced from methane, carbon dioxide, plant-based oil and end-of-life tire pyrolysis oil feedstocks rather than burning petroleum products. These carbon black technologies target reduced carbon emissions in both manufacturing processes and final products, while improving circularity, increasing the use of bio-based carbons, and delivering on performance. Additionally, ISCC certified mass balance polymers from bio- and biocircular feedstock are also included in this demonstration tire.

At the same time, Goodyear uses surplus soybean oil from food and animal feed applications as a substitute for petroleum-based products, which helps keep the tire鈥檚 rubber compound pliable in changing temperatures. Silica is an ingredient often used in tires to help improve grip and reduce fuel consumption. This demonstration tire includes a high-quality silica produced from rice husk waste residue (RHA silica), a byproduct of rice processing. Goodyear also recycles polyester from post-consumer bottles by converting the polyester into base chemicals and reforming them into technical grade polyester used in tire cords. Furthermore, bio-renewable pine tree resins are used to replace traditional petroleum-based resins, helping improve and enhance tire traction performance.

In addition, this demonstration tire uses bead wire and steel cord from steel with highrecycled

content, which is produced using the electric arc furnace (EAF) process. The EAF process allows for steel to be produced with reduced energy use and higher recycled content and has the potential for lower greenhouse gas emissions in comparison with steel produced using a blast furnace.

Notably, this 90% sustainable-material demonstration tire, exhibits a 35.5% reduction in rolling resistance compared to the 2005 baseline. This leads to less energy loss, higher energy efficiency, and more fuel savings, ultimately resulting in a reduction in carbon emissions.

In 2023, Goodyear renamed its two development centers in the Asia-Pacific region to Goodyear Pulandian Development Center and Goodyear Kunshan Development Center. Aligning with China鈥檚 unique geographic, climatic, and environmental characteristics, the centers aim to address the mounting environmental challenges and meet the demands for high-quality socio- economic development. Dedicated to sustainable tire R&D, the company aspires to launch 100% sustainable-material tires by 2030.

Production Line Circularity: A Key to Creating New Quality Productive Forces

To make its eco-friendly R&D achievements commercialized, Goodyear has established smart plants and promoted a circular economy to produce 鈥済reen products鈥?in pro-environment ways while enhancing its brand influence in sustainable development.

Focusing on sustainable and low-carbon transformation, Goodyear has integrated advanced energy-saving technologies with digitalized and intelligent systems to lift the efficiency of energy conservation, emission reduction, and pollution prevention. This strategy not only improves product quality but also enables sustainable growth in production capacity. Additionally, the company actively embraces renewable energy sources and advocates waste recycling to support the development of a circular economy.

Goodyear currently runs three plants in China, respectively located in Dalian (Liaoning Province), Kunshan (Jiangsu Province), and Qingdao (Shandong Province). It is noteworthy that the Goodyear Pulandian Plant in Dalian is one of Goodyear鈥檚 most advanced plants globally. Dedicated to meeting efficient and pro-environment operational standards, this plant aims to become the most eco-friendly tire manufacturing site in the world. In May 2023, Goodyear announced an expansion of its Kunshan Plant. A state-of-the-art radial tire manufacturing facility spanning nearly 44,000 square meters in the plant features advanced automated warehouses and intelligent logistics systems, setting benchmark for sustainable tire production.

To increase the use of sustainable energy, Goodyear completed its most extensive solar panel installation at its Pulandian Plant in October 2023. This system boasts over 29,700 solar panels, which cover 178,053 square meters, supplying energy to workshops, offices, and warehouses. Compared to purchasing electricity from external sources, this solar power system is projected to reduce the plant鈥檚 carbon emissions by 17,000 tons annually over the next 25 years.

For waste recycling, Goodyear has implemented a 鈥渮ero landfill鈥?policy across its tire and chemical manufacturing plants since 2006. By establishing and continuously refining company standards, processes, and systems, the company ensures that waste and other materials are properly disposed of. Goodyear also maintains a stringent waste supplier approval process to ensure compliance in waste disposal. Furthermore, Goodyear collaborates with industry organizations and associations to promote more sustainable tire disposal solutions, contributing to the realization of sustainable development goals.

Sustainable and Low-carbon Development: A Pathway to a 鈥淏etter Future鈥?/strong>

Since its founding in 1898, Goodyear has consistently been at the forefront of mobility transformation, driven by a spirit of innovation and a quest for excellence. The company serves as a pioneer in establishing new industry standards in technology and performance, earning trust from stakeholders worldwide. Whether through setting sustainable goals, focusing on eco-friendly R&D, or promoting low-carbon production, Goodyear instills itself with unwavering sustainable principles. This commitment will help energize the industry and contribute to the initiative of building a beautiful China.

Goodyear鈥檚 actions offer not only valuable experience and insights but also strong support to China鈥檚 sustainable development and global efforts towards sustainability. Looking ahead, Goodyear will remain committed to pursuing sustainable and low-carbon development, working towards a 鈥渂etter future鈥?

The story of Goodyear is about hope, man-nature harmony, and pioneering spirit of innovation that shapes our future. With a century of manufacturing experience and equipped with an innovative mindset, Goodyear aligns its vision with China鈥檚 development goals, striving towards a shared sustainable dream. This story is still unfolding and promises to grow even more exciting. Goodyear understands that continuous innovation is the key to moving forward and that sustainable development is essential to win the future. Goodyear鈥檚 story will serve as a guiding light on the path to sustainability, motivating more enterprises and individuals to join in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.