2025 Sustainability Leaders in the Tyre Industry.
As ESG scrutiny intensifies across global transport and manufacturing, tyre makers are under pressure to show real progress not just promises.
Tyres consume over one billion tonnes of materials annually. The industry’s environmental impact is significant, from rubber sourcing to factory emissions and end-of-life disposal. In 2025, independent rankings and corporate disclosures reveal which tyre manufacturers are setting the pace on sustainability and why it matters for fleets, distributors, and OEM partners worldwide.
Top Performer: Nokian Tyres Recognised by TIME
Nokian Tyres (Finland)
- Ranked 98th globally in TIME Magazine and Statista’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies—highest among tyre manufacturers.
- First to operate a zero-CO₂ tyre factory (Romania), powered entirely by renewable energy.
- 79% CO₂ emissions reduction since 2015; zero landfill waste; top ESG ratings (CDP A‑, MSCI AAA).
- Targets net-zero across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2050; Science-Based Targets approved.
Consistently Leading Global Brands
Michelin (France)
- Over three decades invested in sustainable tyre development, including circular economy models and material recovery.
- Introduced a tyre with 45% sustainable content in 2022; targets 100% by 2050.
- Plans to convert over 13 million tonnes of waste into tyre materials by 2030.
- Active research on reducing tyre abrasion and microplastic pollution.
Continental (Germany)
- Recognised in TIME’s broader list of sustainable companies (2024).
- UltraContact NXT tyre uses up to 65% renewable or recycled content.
- Aims for climate-neutral value chain by 2050, 40% sustainable materials by 2030.
Goodyear (USA)
- Focus on sustainable compounds and smart tyre development.
- Industry leader in ESG reporting and compliance; cited for innovation and supply chain transparency.
Pirelli (Italy/China)
- Prioritises EV-ready tyre development and sustainable R&D investment.
- Earned multiple certifications for environmental performance and global supply chain standards.
Sailun Group (China)
- Developed EcoPoint3 technology for low-emission production.
- Among the fastest in the sector to adopt green compounds and digital manufacturing systems.
Hankook Tire (South Korea)
- "E.Circle" strategy integrates reuse, renewables and recycling in tyre production.
- ISCC PLUS certified for bio-based and recycled inputs; tyre models now exceed 45% sustainable content.
- Targeting net-zero by 2050, with approved Science-Based Targets.
- Founding GPSNR member; blockchain rubber traceability under Project TREE.
Bridgestone (Japan)
- "E8 Commitment" covers carbon neutrality, circularity, and biodiversity.
- Launched commercial tyres with 70% recycled/renewable content; targets full carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Leading TRWP collection tech; investing in guayule and pyrolysis recycling.
Yokohama Rubber (Japan)
- GPSNR founder, CDP Climate A-lister, and FTSE4Good Index member.
- 35% sustainable content target by 2025; tyre models already near 33%.
- Operates zero-landfill sites and local reforestation programmes.
Other Noteworthy Practitioners (2025 Industry Reports)
Linglong Tire (China)
- Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy aligned with GPSNR.
- Developing bio-based rubbers and RFID-equipped tyres with over 70% sustainable content.
Kumho Tire (South Korea)
- ESG and rubber sourcing strategy aligned with global standards.
- Earns S&P Global ESG rating of 61/100; strong supplier governance.
Triangle Tyre (China)
- Sustainalytics Medium ESG Risk; rated 108th out of 245 in auto components.
Other Regionally Recognised Brands
- MRF (India), Nexen Corporation (South Korea), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan), Qingdao Doublestar (China), Shandong Jinyu Tire (China), Titan International (USA), Schaeffler Technologies (Germany).
Tyre Sustainability Trends: What to Watch
Sustainable Materials
Use of recycled content, bio-sourced inputs and renewable feedstocks is accelerating across brands.
ESG Transparency
Robust environmental and social reporting is now central to procurement, investment, and OEM partnerships.
Smart Tyres and EV Design
As electric vehicles demand tyres with lower rolling resistance and longer durability, the leading manufacturers are investing in both compound innovation and digital lifecycle tools.
In 2025, sustainability is no longer optional in tyre manufacturing it’s competitive. Companies like Nokian and Michelin are demonstrating how environmental goals can drive design, production and procurement decisions. Their progress also sets a benchmark for UK fleets and distributors increasingly evaluated on Scope 3 emissions. As EV adoption grows and digital regulation expands, smart, sustainable tyres will be a core feature not a future trend.
Tagged with: sustainable tyres, green tyre manufacturing, ESG compliance, Nokian Tyres, Michelin e.Primacy, smart tyres, EV tyres, tyre recycling, circular economy, tyre sustainability 2025
