Bridgestone shifts to sustainable electrical sources

TOKYO — Bridgestone Corp. has begun sourcing electricity for six tire and raw materials plants in Japan from renewable energy sources as part of its "Green & Smart" factory initiative.

Bridgestone did not elaborate on what type of renewable energy is involved, but said these latest conversions move Bridgestone closer to its goal of achieving 90% renewable electrical energy at its production bases in Japan.

These conversions also build on similar moves the company made in 2021 at four other tire plants in Japan. In addition, the company said it has begun transitioning to renewable energy sources at two chemical and industrial products plants and plans to expand use systematically of renewable energy sources going forward.

These efforts are being taken in line with the company's goal for a carbon-neutral mobility society and with its "E8 Commitment" that calls for an accelerated transformation to a sustainable solutions company.

Elsewhere, Bridgestone already has transitioned to renewable energy sources for all electricity purchased at its Tianjin and Wuxi, China, plants. It also has also begun using solar power at tire plants in Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu, Japan; Nong Khae, Thailand ; Aiken, S.C., and at a dozen facilities in Europe.

Bridgestone said its goal under the Green & Smart factory initiative is to source more than half of its electrical energy needs from renewable sources by 2023 and achieve approximately 100% renewable electric energy by 2030. The company also is working to accelerate efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing its use of solar power generation and improving energy efficiency within its facilities.

Overall, Bridgestone's goal is to cut "absolute" CO2 emissions in half 2030, compared to 2011, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.