Goodyear named one of US's greenest firms

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Akron, Ohio - Goodyear has moved up to the 74th position in Newsweek magazine's annual ranking of "America's Greenest Companies."

Becton Dickinson was placed at no 32; Ford Motor Company at no. 50.

The Akron-based tyre maker placed 252nd in the magazine's 2011 rankings of the 500 largest environmentally friendly US corporations. Goodyear said it was the only tyre maker on Newsweek's US list, and the second-highest ranked company in the automotive industry.

"One of Goodyear's shared values is caring for our environment and communities," said Don Stanley, vice president of product quality and plant technology. "Our commitment to environmental programs and sustainability reflects what's important to us. We are seeing the results of that commitment and are being more transparent about our sustainability goals, programs, and accomplishments."

Goodyear claimed it has not sent any manufacturing waste from its 53 factories to landfills anywhere in the world since 2008. Its companywide effort to eliminate solvent usage has resulted in a 56-percent reduction of that since 2007.

The tyre maker also said it recently improved its environmental score, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a non-profit organisation that tracks the greenhouse gas emissions of major corporations around the world. Goodyear's 2012 CDP disclosure score improved 17 percent to 81 (out of 100) from 69 in 2011, while its performance score remained consistent.

Newsweek ranks the 500 largest US corporations by factors that include environmental footprint, "green" management and transparency in reporting. The rankings, considered one of the most authoritative lists of its kind, were published online and in the Oct. 22 edition of the magazine.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Goodyear

Top-500 list from Newsweek