Bridgestone details E8 Commitment sustainability framework

Bridgestone has added further details to its new global corporate sustainability commitment, launched at the beginning of March 2022. The E8 Commitment represents a framework of eight key values to build on the company’s approach to sustainable business growth and transformation. The E8 Commitment also signals the development of “Bridgestone 3.0”, the company’s third era following its initial foundation in 1931 and its emergence as a global business in 1988 following its acquisition of Firestone. The latest evolution will be driven by the company’s new sustainable and advanced mobility solutions.

Laurent Dartoux, president & CEO of Bridgestone EMIA, commented: “We are living in unsettling and troubled times – both with the war in Ukraine and its tragic consequences for so many people, as well as the climate emergency and the impact that it is having on our planet and the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.

“Now, more than ever, it is time to prioritise social value and sustainability, alongside business growth. So it is with a sense of determination and urgency to act that we have reinforced Bridgestone’s commitments to doing business sustainably.  We invite all our colleagues, partners and customers to join us in delivering on the E8 commitments – and helping shape a sustainable future for all.”

Eight commitments

(Photo: Bridgestone)

E8 comprises eight commitments – Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment – which will collectively steer Bridgestone’s strategic priorities, decision making and sustainability efforts throughout every area of the business and operations.

The Energy and Ecology commitments relate to Bridgestone’s clear environmental targets: to achieve carbon neutrality, work with 100 per cent sustainable materials and operate in better balance with nature by 2050.

Recognition that sustainability is about people as well as planet is reflected in the Emotion and Empowerment commitments – starting with Bridgestone’s own people, their safety and wellbeing; also encompassing human rights, diversity & inclusion, labour practices and the company’s many and varied contributions to a safer society and healthier communities.

In line with its work to help shape a sustainable future of mobility the company commits to creating – and co-creating with partners – opportunities for the Extension, Efficiency and Ease of mobility overall.

And finally, with the Economy commitment, Bridgestone acknowledges the importance of maximising growth and economic value from the business.

Current sustainability progress

E8 may be a new expression of Bridgestone’s commitments, but the company looks back on “steady progress in recent years” towards its sustainability evolution. Between 2011 and 2020 the Bridgestone Group had reduced its global emissions by 31 per cent. It says its electricity consumption at European sites is 100 per cent from renewable sources. The company continues to invest in innovative sustainable tyre technologies such as Enliten.

Bridgestone continues to support the electrification of mobility too. 50 per cent of the global top 10 electric vehicle manufacturers chose Bridgestone fitments. It adds that half of the top 10 most sold EVs in Europe were fitted with Bridgestone tyres. Bridgestone’s digital fleet management solution, Webfleet, also contributes to a reduction in fuel consumption and associated emissions by up to 25 per cent, according to company figures.

Bridgestone’s sustainability efforts have been independently verified in 2021 by EcoVadis, which awarded Bridgestone EMIA Platinum status. This means it is among the top one per cent of the 85,000 businesses assessed by them globally. The company also recently received the highest rating in CDP’s prestigious Supplier Engagement Leader ratings list for the fifth time and third consecutive year – in recognition of its efforts to drive sustainability across the supply chain.