Nokian Tires announced it is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the rolling resistance of its tires and cutting energy emissions from their manufacturing.

The company said it plans to be at the forefront of combating climate change and its effects, through intervention at every stage of a tire’s lifecycle.

"We manufacture tires for different markets at our factories in Finland, Russia, and from next year, in Dayton in the United States. Our company will continue to focus on actively seeking ways and models for taking a more sustainable approach throughout a tire’s lifecycle, from the materials stage to reusing tire waste. Sustainability includes combatting climate change and ensuring decent conditions for the workers manufacturing tire materials," says Teppo Huovila, who is responsible for sustainability at Nokian Tires.

Nokian Tyres has been actively reducing the CO2 emissions of its factories by switching to lower-emission energy sources, and making manufacturing processes and production facilities more energy efficient.

"We have been able to reduce the CO2 emissions from the manufacture of a tire by 38 percent in five years," Teppo Huovila explains.

Low tire rolling resistance reduces fuel use and emissions

By choosing their tires wisely, drivers can reduce the CO2 emissions generated while driving.

"We want to help drivers reduce their fuel use and CO2 emissions through tire choices. When the tire pressure is right, low rolling resistance tires can help drivers save over 0.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Of course, this also reduces CO2 emissions. An economic driving style can reduce emissions by even more," says Jukka Kasi, SVP, Products & Technologies for Nokian Tires.

Greenhouse gas emissions during a tire’s lifecycle:

Most, or approximately 89 percent, of a tire’s lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are created during its use. Around 15-20 percent of a car’s fuel consumption and emissions are created by the tire’s rolling resistance. Rolling resistance therefore has a notable effect on emissions.

Most emissions from tire manufacturers and materials are due to energy use:

• 8 percent of a tire’s lifecycle emissions are created by the manufacture and transportation of materials

• 2 percent of a tire’s lifecycle emissions are created by their manufacture, storage, and transportation

• Only around 0.1 percent are created by the recycling of used tires.

Tagged: tire climate change

Nokian Tires tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions