SUSTAINABILITY
Passion, Humanity And Responsibility
Beyond just making greener tyres, all aspects of our company are measured by a global sustainability plan.
Sustainability is Familiar Ground
We’ve cared about sustainability since before standards
were imposed on the industry.
As early as 1946, with the introduction of the radial tyre (now the most common
tyre), we reduced the rolling resistance of tyres by 30%.
In 1992 we reduced it by another 20% with the addition of the Silica technology,
making tyres longer-lasting and more fuel-efficient.
What is rolling resistance?
Rolling resistance is the main challenge for tyre makers since
it's intrinsic to the product: an object that rolls creates friction
and therefore the engine has to work harder.
The quality of the tyre determines the fuel efficiency against that friction force.
In 2012, the MICHELIN ENERGYTM E-V was made available
for electric cars to increase their autonomy.
We're currently working on our fifth generation of green tyres.
We aim to improve fuel economy by at least 2% and we have also reduced CO2
emissions with each successive generation.
Our Approach to Sustainability
Clean energy
Our facilities are monitored and optimized to use less energy.
Some of them use solar panels, wind power and local
alternative methods to get energy, preserving air quality.
Recycling
Used tyres can be 100% recovered, either as energy
or raw material.
They are reused as filling material, soundproof walls, railroad ties, drainage solutions and synthetic surfaces for sports fields and playgrounds.
Currently, 95% of end-of-life tyres are recovered in Europe and 97% in Brazil.
In Australia, we’re working with the TSA (Tyre Stewardship Australia) to transform used tyres into a useful commodity, creating new industries and employment opportunities while also reducing environmental harm.
Renewal of natural rubber
We have re-forestation programme in place to ensure the sustainability of rubber (Hevea) tree cultivation. We conduct biological and agricultural research to improve the quality of natural rubber and combat diseases in Hevea trees.
Biodiversity
More than 2,700 acres of our Bahia, Brazil rubber plantation have been kept totally uncultivated to help protect the forest's flora and fauna.
A few key stats
17,649
In 2012, 17,649 of our employees'
work days were dedicated to work with local communities.33%
Since 2005, Michelin has reduced the emissions impact of our facilities by 33%.
16trillion
In the last 20 years, we've helped save 16 trillion liters of fuel
40billion
In the last 20 years, we've prevented the emission of 40 billion tons of CO2.
30million
Rubber tree cultivation provides a living for 30 million people a year.
We're In This Together
If we all work together we can find more creative solutions.
The Michelin Challenge Bibendum
Over 15 years ago, we created the Michelin Challenge Bibendum. It has now become the world summit on sustainable mobility, bringing together political, industry, scientific, and media representatives to discuss sustainable road mobility. International students brainstorm and develop fresh, brilliant ideas for better mobility, and decision-makers and opinion leaders are involved to bring those ideas to the next level. And that's just the beginning.
MICHELIN Total Performance Award
This award is a new competition focused on innovation in both performance and sustainable mobility. MICHELIN will introduce it at the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours, awarded to the first team to meet a rigorous set of criteria in performance, longevity and energy efficiency. One million Euros will be invested into research into sustainable mobility by an independent academic institute.
The New Formula E
We are the official tyre provider of the new Formula E championship to boost the development of sustainable, high performance electrical vehicle technology in even the most challenging technical environment - racing.
How Do We Keep Moving Forward?
We're committed to new sustainable development projects.
We're leaders in sustainability in the mobility industry and we intend to continue to act like one.
We're committed to improve peoples' mobility now and in the future.
Sustainability Needs
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of our approach to tyre making.
It makes ideas for a more sustainable world possible.
Proper Tyre Inflation is Better
For the Environment
And your pocket! Did you know the under inflation is one of the biggest causes of using excess fuel?
The air pressure in your tyres should be checked once a month.