Bridgestone will supply teams participating in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) with tyres crafted from 63% recycled and renewable materials.
This announcement underscores Bridgestone’s unwavering commitment to advancing eco-friendly solutions in the world of motorsport.
Central to this game-changing announcement is Bridgestone’s cutting-edge technology called ENLITEN.
This revolutionary base technology has paved the way for tire designs that not only elevate environmental performance but also meet and exceed customer expectations for product performance. By harnessing the power of ENLITEN, Bridgestone aims to enhance both social and customer value, marking a significant step towards greener mobility solutions.
The BWSC-bound tires equipped with ENLITEN have been meticulously tailored to navigate the grueling challenges of the 3,000-kilometer race across Australia.
These tyres are designed to excel in areas like low rolling resistance, wear resistance, and weight reduction, all crucial factors in the demanding environment of long-distance solar racing. Bridgestone’s commitment to customisation means that teams will receive tires specifically designed to suit their needs, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of ENLITEN technology.
An impressive highlight of this endeavor is the tyres’ composition. Bridgestone’s contribution to the BWSC will feature tires constructed with an impressive 63% recycled and renewable materials — a substantial improvement compared to approximately 30% in the 2019 edition of the challenge. The array of recycled and renewable materials includes organic fiber, recovered carbon black, recycled rubber chemical, recycled oil, and reinforcement materials using recycled steel.
The tyres destined for the cruiser class have been developed using rice husk silica and carbon black recovered through the pyrolysis of used tires. This innovative approach to materials underscores Bridgestone’s determination to lead the way in sustainable tire manufacturing.
Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond tyre design and production.
The company has chosen to partner with DHL, a leading logistics provider with a goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050. Through DHL’s GoGreen Plus solution, the transportation of tires to the BWSC will be entirely carbon-neutral. This achievement is realized by utilizing sustainable marine fuel and offsetting emissions through VER Gold Standard carbon credits.
Naotaka Horio, director of Bridgestone Motorsports, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for this monumental initiative, stating: “Bridgestone is passionate about contributing to a more sustainable motorsports future at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge through our ENLITEN tires made with 63% recycled and renewable materials, as well as our collaborative supply chain initiatives. We will demonstrate the new technology through the extreme conditions.”
With sustainability at its core, Bridgestone’s journey towards a more eco-friendly future is set to make a powerful statement at the BWSC. This event showcases not only the prowess of solar-powered vehicles but also Bridgestone’s commitment to realizing a carbon-neutral mobility society and creating excitement and joy in the world of mobility.
As the BWSC participants gear up for this electrifying race, Bridgestone’s eco-friendly tires are poised to make history, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in the world of motorsport.
