Nokian issues corporate sustainability report

NOKIA, Finland (April 1, 2015) — Nokian Tyres P.L.C. has published its Corporate Sustainability Report, which describes the activities of the company “from the perspective of environmental, social and economic responsibility as part of an international value chain.”

The GRI G4-compliant report notes that “last year was a period of significant international events” in Nokian's key markets. “In addition to the developments in Ukraine, the devaluation of the rouble and the decline in oil prices affected our business through the Russian economy,” it says.

“Ensuring the well-being of our personnel has been especially important for us now that the political situation is affecting their everyday lives.”

At year-end 2014, Nokian became a member of the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), which the company called “a significant development for us, as there is a growing interest in the origin of products and natural rubber forms a challenge in terms of sustainable tire production.”

Nokian Tyres President and CEO Ari Lehtoranta said the firm's “membership in this global platform for rubber producers and consumers enables us to contribute to the sustainable development of rubber production in the future.”

The company said safe products and product development form one of the cornerstones of its sustainability, adding that based on continuous improvement, “we produce safer and eco-friendlier tires that help people drive reliably and comfortably even under demanding conditions.”

As part of that effort, the tire maker cited the introduction last year of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 — designed for electric and hybrid cars — which the company claimed is “the most energy-efficient winter tire in the world.”

Nokian added that it is “continuously developing our production methods for improving quality and productivity and for minimizing our carbon footprint.”

The sustainability report is available by clicking here.