The Firestone Polymer Engineering Pilot Center (PEPC) in Akron, Ohio, has achieved International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS recognition for the facility’s transparency and traceability of sustainable raw materials. These include bio, bio-circular and circular-based materials which are used to replace synthetic rubbers.
The PEPC makes up part of Bridgestone Americas’ Technology Center – also in Akron – which is used for company innovation, research and product development processes in the Americas region. This year marks the 80th year since the tire maker began the production of synthetic rubber in Akron, Ohio.
As the tire maker seeks to transition toward a circular economy, the company’s knowledge of polymer development for synthetic rubber production is viewed as an important part of sustainability plans, in order to achieve carbon neutrality targets and the production of tires using 100% renewable materials by 2050. The tire manufacturer is also continuing with research and development into the diversification of natural rubber supply, by commercializing guayule natural rubber for use in tires by 2030.
“Transparency and traceability are core elements to the success of our company’s sustainability journey and this ISCC PLUS certification demonstrates the progress we’re making to deliver sustainable synthetic rubber made with bio-sourced and recycled materials,” said Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer and group president, Bridgestone Americas. “We are reimagining the ways we design and develop products that contribute to a more sustainable mobility future and that includes pioneering changes to the processes at our manufacturing facilities to support material circularity.”
