Goodyear releases 2021 corporate responsibility report

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has published its report on corporate responsibility performance for 2021. It comments that the report, which summarises the progress made toward achieving the company’s short- and long-term sustainability goals, further demonstrates its commitment to ethical and sustainable processes, materials and programmes.

“While our 2021 report affords us the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made along our sustainability journey, it is also an opportunity for us to look ahead,” said Richard Kramer, the company’s chairman, chief executive officer and president. “Sustainability is a cornerstone of our business strategy and an integral part of our culture. Our engaged team of more than 70,000 Goodyear associates around the world will continue to deliver high-quality products and advanced mobility solutions enabled by responsibly managed materials in an efficient, responsible manner. We are committed to helping our customers reach their sustainability goals and to building a better future to keep the world moving today and tomorrow.”

Goodyear’s 2021 report is organised around the four pillars of the company’s corporate responsibility framework, Goodyear Better Future: Sustainable Sourcing, Responsible Operations, Advanced Mobility and Inspiring Culture. Some report highlights are as follows:

Sustainable Sourcing

In 2021, Goodyear scientists and engineers developed a demonstration tyre made of 70 per cent sustainable materials, significant progress towards the company’s goal of creating a tyre made 100 per cent from sustainable materials by 2030. The demonstration tyre has 13 featured ingredients, including three different carbon blacks produced from methane, carbon dioxide and plant-based oil; soybean oil; rice husk ash silica; and polyester recycled from plastic bottles and other plastic waste.

Responsible Operations

In addition to announcing its long-term climate ambition of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Goodyear continued its work to reduce its environmental impact. In 2021, the company achieved a 24 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity and an 18 per cent reduction in energy intensity compared to a 2010 baseline. Goodyear also reduced global water consumption by 17 per cent compared to a 2020 baseline.

Advanced Mobility

In 2021, Goodyear continued its focus on improving fuel efficiency by achieving a 32 per cent reduction in rolling resistance and an 8.8 per cent reduction in tire weight in its global consumer tyre portfolio, from a 2005 baseline.

Inspiring Culture

In 2021, associate membership in Goodyear’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) continued to grow, and one additional ERG was added bringing the total number of Goodyear ERGs to eight. More than 3,300 associates worldwide are members of Goodyear ERGs.

“The accomplishments of 2021 are many, and I’m excited about the progress we are making along our journey,” added Ellis A. Jones, vice-president and chief sustainability officer. “This is a team effort, involving all of our associates across the globe. We have a strong foundation in place, which will allow us to continue to identify opportunities and overcome challenges.”

Goodyear’s 2021 report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core option.