Sumitomo Rubber sets new carbon neutrality targets across “entire supply chain”

Hyogo, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has set new scope 3* greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions-reduction targets, towards achieving carbon-neutrality across its supply-chain.

In a Japanese language statement 28 Nov, the tires & rubber-based product manufacturer said scope 3 emissions accounted for around 90% of the group's GHG emissions.

Therefore, announced SRI, “we have set a 2030 target that covers almost all scope 3 emissions in order to achieve carbon-neutrality throughout the supply-chain.”

As part of the pledge, the Japanese group aims to reduce emissions from 'materials development and procurement' by 25% by 2030, compared to a 2021 baseline.

According to SRI's statement, this goal will be achieved by using sustainable raw materials and strengthening supplier-engagement.

In terms of logistics, the group's aim is to reduce emissions by 10% by 2030 through “promoting modal shift”.

SRI aims to reduce the rolling resistance of its tires and expand their life-span, while looking into further expanding retreading capacity to enhance end-of-life management of tires.

For scope 1 & 2 emissions, SRI said it had previously set a 50% reduction target for 2030, compared to a 2017 baseline.

The goals, according to the group, were achieved ahead of schedule and as a result SRI has now raised the target to a 55% reduction compared to 2017.

In particular, SRI said switching to renewable energy for electricity at its tire factories in China and Thailand had made a major contribution to the reduction.

SRI has set itself a target of carbon neutrality by 2050.

*Scope 3 covers emissions resulting from the company's business but generated by sources not owned or controlled by the company. Scope 1 emissions are generated by sources owned or controlled by the "company", while scope 2 emissions result from the generation of energy that is purchased and consumed by the company.