As the title sponsor of the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), Bridgestone Corporation introduced a new standard in sustainable motorsport by equipping teams with tyres composed of over 65 percent recycled and renewable materials. This initiative, centred on the company's ENLITEN technology, represented a comprehensive evolution of its sustainability efforts across the entire tyre lifecycle, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling. The performance of these tyres was proven on the track, with victorious teams in both the Challenger and Cruiser classes utilising them.

The advanced materials were developed through strategic partnerships. In collaboration with ENEOS Corporation, Bridgestone employed precise pyrolysis technology to recover carbon black from end-of-life tyres, which was then used in BWSC tyres for the first time. Similarly, recycled steel was produced from scrap tyres and processed into bead wire with partners Sanyo Special Steel and Nippon Steel, marking another debut application for the race.

Beyond materials, the ENLITEN technology was fundamental to the tyre design, enabling crucial performance characteristics for solar vehicles such as ultra-low rolling resistance, reduced weight and superior wear resistance. This engineering allowed the tyres to withstand the event's 3,000-kilometre extreme conditions while maximising vehicle efficiency. The incorporation of Teijin Aramid's new Twaron Next material further enhanced the product's circular content.

Bridgestone also addressed the environmental impact of logistics by partnering with DHL and its GoGreen Plus solution. The shipment of tyres to Australia utilised sustainable marine fuel, achieving up to an 85 percent reduction in well-to-wake CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the enhanced durability of the tyres meant each team required significantly fewer sets, reducing the total number supplied. After the event, a partnership with Australian company RubberGem will ensure the used tyres are recycled into high-quality rubber flooring.

This victory marks the third consecutive win in the Challenger class and the fourth in the Cruiser class for teams on Bridgestone tyres. By supporting this premier innovation challenge, Bridgestone reinforces its commitment to accelerating sustainable mobility and nurturing the next generation of engineers.

Challenger Class winner Elias Wawoe, Brunel Solar Team (Delft University of Technology), said, “The last time we won the BWSC was eight years ago, and since then, we have been working towards becoming world champion again. The Bridgestone tyres performed exceptionally well, especially in terms of wear resistance, supporting our journey to victory. The BWSC tyres were a great example of accelerating sustainability in the tyres; through the event, these efforts were showcased. What we try to show is the combination of innovation and striving for a sustainable future.”

Cruiser Class winner Kelvin To, VTC Solar Car Team (Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education), said, “We have been working on the BWSC for more than 10 years, and winning this competition means a lot to us. Our students from engineering and design put classroom skills into the real-life 3,000-km project of the BWSC. We take part to showcase the latest technology in renewable energy and be part of the force that drives into a sustainable future. Bridgestone tyres were very reliable—no punctures over sand, pebbles and potholes—and they helped us save a lot of energy throughout the trip.”

Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award winner Joel Pitts, Iron Lions Solar Car Team (Greenville High School), said, “We are truly humbled to receive the Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award. Our students and teachers set a goal to build a world class solar car that would qualify and compete in the Challenger Class. This recognition affirms our commitment and drive to become world-class solar teams.”

Hiroshi Imai, Vice President and Senior Officer – Global Motorsports, Bridgestone Corporation, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the teams, team staff, families, organisers and the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the BWSC. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion of everyone involved come together to create such a remarkable event. We are proud that our tyres equipped with ENLITEN technology supported not only the winning teams but many others throughout the challenge. As both a tyre supplier and the title sponsor, Bridgestone remains committed to supporting the realization of sustainable mobility and the development of future engineers and leaders through the BWSC. With passion, we continue to challenge the limits together with the teams and aim to apply the innovations born in this ‘mobile laboratory’ to future sustainable global motorsports activities.”

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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has formally completed the merger of its subsidiary, Cavendish Industries Ltd., into its operations, a strategic move that follows Cavendish's acquisition in 2016. At that time, Cavendish was operating at only 30 percent of its manufacturing capacity for various vehicle tyres. Under JK Tyre's stewardship, the subsidiary received extensive managerial, financial and technical support, which facilitated a complete operational turnaround. Through optimised manufacturing processes, capacity utilisation dramatically increased to 95 percent. Additional expansion at the Laksar facility further bolstered its substantial contribution to the company's overall tyre production.

This consolidation is projected to generate significant value by combining operational strengths, achieving greater economies of scale, and creating a more robust and diversified product portfolio. The unified entity will also benefit from an extensive, integrated distribution network. The merger aligns with JK Tyre's enduring strategy of pursuing sustainable growth through both organic projects and strategic acquisitions. Cavendish’s successful integration represents the company’s third major operational turnaround, following previous revitalisations of Vikrant Tyres and JK Tornel Mexico, alongside the establishment of two Greenfield plants.

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Hankook Tire has further solidified its commitment to sustainable manufacturing with the recent International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS awarded to its Daejeon plant. This globally recognised certification validates the use of bio-based and recycled materials and ensures supply chain transparency, representing the company’s third such achievement following earlier certifications at its Geumsan and Hungary facilities. At the Daejeon site, the substitution of fossil-based synthetic rubber with bio-circular polymers has substantially lowered the environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle.

This milestone reinforces Hankook Tire’s comprehensive ESG strategy, which now encompasses original equipment, replacement and motorsport tyre production. A notable example is the supply of high-performance rally tyres, incorporating up to 31 percent sustainable materials, for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship. The company’s sustainable innovation is also evident in products like the iON evo tyre for the Porsche Taycan, which uses 45 percent recycled and recyclable materials without compromising performance. Similarly, the iON GT replacement tyre for the European market integrates up to 77 percent certified materials and has earned top EU Tyre Label ratings.

Beyond product development, Hankook Tire is pioneering future mobility solutions, showcased by a concept tyre with 81 percent sustainable materials presented at IAA Mobility 2025. In electric motorsport, as the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula E, the company has earned the FIA’s highest environmental accreditation and is set to introduce the iON Race tyre containing 35 percent sustainable materials.

To accelerate these efforts, Hankook Tire is pursuing open innovation through collaborations with technology partners such as ROTOBOOST and Solvay, focusing on advanced materials like turquoise hydrogen-based carbon black and circular silica. The company is also engaged in national research consortia to validate carbon-reduction technologies and enhance the commercial readiness of sustainable alternatives, consistently aiming to merge high performance with ecological responsibility across its global operations.

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Bridgestone India has reconstructed and revitalised the government school in Kuti village, near the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Madhya Pradesh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project directly serves a marginalised community of tribal groups and migrant labourers from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Previously, the school operated in a perilous and crumbling structure, lacking even basic facilities for its 175 students, despite the steadfast efforts of three teachers. The new, purpose-built campus now provides structurally safe and vibrant classrooms, dedicated child-friendly spaces and access to essential amenities.

This transformation is set to dramatically improve student enrolment and daily attendance by replacing a hazardous environment with one that is secure and conducive to learning. More than just infrastructure, the initiative instils a renewed sense of dignity and aspiration in both students and their families, who work primarily as daily-wage labourers, vegetable vendors and construction workers.

Executed in collaboration with the district administration and education department, this effort reflects Bridgestone India’s core mission of driving long-term social impact through strategic community partnerships. By focusing on critical gaps in educational infrastructure for displaced and underserved populations, the company fosters an environment where children can truly thrive and communities can build a more hopeful future.

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Marking a significant milestone, the Nokian Tyres facility in Oradea, Romania, produced its one millionth tyre of the year on 20 December 2025, thereby reaching its annual production target. This new factory, inaugurated in September 2024, began deliveries in March and is dedicated to supplying passenger car tyres for the European market.

Its inaugural year saw the production of premium models like the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 winter tyre, upholding the company’s 90-year legacy of safety and sustainability. The product range expanded this year with the launch of two further tyres for Europe: the Seasonproof 2 all-season and the Powerproof 2 summer tyre, with more new products planned for future manufacture at the site.

Distinguished as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO2-emissions tyre factory, the Oradea plant operates entirely without fossil fuels, employing cutting-edge production technology. Upon its anticipated completion around the end of 2027, it will become Nokian Tyres’ largest global production facility, accounting for roughly 40 percent of total capacity. It represents the company’s third major manufacturing hub alongside its existing factories in Nokia, Finland, and Dayton, US. Currently, the Romanian operation employs over 500 people, underscoring its important role in Nokian Tyres’ strategic European production network.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am very proud of our entire team for their hard work in reaching this milestone. It is a strong testament to our commitment to customers across Europe, enhancing our service level and delivering innovative products that ensure safety and comfort for drivers in all conditions.”

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