Bridgestone Europe issues 2008 “Environmental Commitment and Performance” brochure
Brussels, (November 18th, 2008) — Bridgestone Europe NV/SA has published an updated environmental report setting out the company’s commitment to high environmental standards and the latest steps it is taking to achieve them. The colour brochure – printed with vegetable-based inks on FSC label recycled paper – is prepared for all organisations and groups interested in the company, including shareholders, government authorities, journalists, car manufacturers and other business partners.
Bridgestone plays a significant role in helping car manufacturers meet their targets of reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The brochure explains how fuel consumption can be cut by reducing tyre rolling resistance, and outlines some of the technologies developed by Bridgestone to achieve this.
The main body of the report presents the environmental impact of Bridgestone’s products and manufacturing processes following the scheme of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This evaluation technique looks at the total environmental impact in terms of resources and releases of the product from cradle to grave – from raw materials selection, manufacturing and product use through to re-use, recycling or end-of-life disposal.
The report also highlights the ecological impact of consumer behaviour. It shows how maintaining tyres properly and at the correct inflation pressure reduces both fuel consumption and emissions. This is one of the objectives of the global “Think Before You Drive” campaign – a joint initiative between Bridgestone and the FIA Foundation (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) – which aims to improve road safety by promoting more responsible driving habits and car maintenance, including tyre care.
Clearly laid out with ample illustrations, this brochure is easy to read and understand. It is available as a printed brochure or as a download from Bridgestone Europe’s website, initially in English but with other languages scheduled in the near future.
www.bridgestone.eu/corporate/environment
Media information: G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40
Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.