Encouraging results: Goodyear Sustainable Reality Survey

Goodyear has published the results of its first Sustainable Reality Survey, an investigation into what actions truck fleets and transport companies are taking to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as the sustainability plans they have in place and the obstacles still standing in their way. The tyre maker says the results proved encouraging.

Of the 985 fleets from 36 European countries that participated in the survey during August and September 2021, 92 were UK fleets. Goodyear reports that 61 per cent of these UK-based respondents have already put formalised sustainability objectives in place, while a further 27 per cent expect to do so within the next 12 months.

When asked why they viewed sustainability as important, 63 per cent replied that their interest stemmed either from concern for the environment or their corporate values. Comparatively, a much smaller number suggested that their concerns were purely business-related, with just 17 per cent saying that they value sustainability as a way to reduce operating costs and 13 per cent that it’s a requirement to win new business.

Heartening response to challenge

“It’s heartening to see that fleets are responding so positively to the challenge of climate change,” comments Maciej Szymanski, director of marketing for Commercial Business Europe at Goodyear. “For such a large number to not only be taking action, but to be putting plans in place out of a genuine concern for environment, as opposed to simply to appeal to new customers, is incredibly encouraging. The challenge facing the industry now is meeting those objectives, as well as stressing their importance to those fleets that haven’t yet taken action.”

Among the most popular solutions already being used by respondents to improve the sustainability of their fleets are fuel-efficient tyres (67%), telematics solutions to monitor and reduce fuel consumption (65%) and the setting of fuel consumption objectives for drivers or implementation of driver training (59%). Less commonplace solutions include retreaded tyres (36%), alternate drivetrains, such as hybrid and electric (25%), and the deployment of higher capacity vehicles or duo trailers (21%).

Cost still a major hurdle

When asked what was preventing them from adopting even more sustainable solutions, respondents cited the cost (52%) and complexity (36%) of some solutions as the most significant challenges. Three-quarters said that financial incentives would encourage them to further improve the sustainability of their operations, while 48 per cent said that solutions which are easier to use would be helpful.

“Making the industry more sustainable is going to take time, and of course, there are still hurdles for fleets to overcome. As the industry moves towards a greener future, we’re seeing a clear need for solutions that will help meet those sustainability goals. It’s critical that suppliers rise to that challenge, and provide straightforward solutions that can be easily implemented, in order to help them on their journey,” concludes Szymanski.