Sumitomo Rubber sets higher targets to achieve carbon neutrality across the supply chain by 2030

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. has set new, higher emission reduction targets to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its supply chain by 2030. In addition, the company has increased the reduction of emissions from its own production facilities and suppliers, also targeted by the aforementioned date. Previously set targets have already been achieved ahead of schedule thanks to active efforts. The company will take further initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the supply chain in line with its long-term sustainability policy: "Driving Our Future Challenge 2050".

Sumitomo is taking a consistent approach to achieving its CO₂ neutrality target. The corresponding scopes were first defined. As a result, the company differentiates between emissions from its own activities and the directly associated but indirect emissions and the other indirect emissions that are not included. Around 90 per cent of the Sumitomo Rubber Group's greenhouse gases are caused by emissions from material development and procurement, logistics, sales, use and processing/recycling. The Group has consistently set itself targets to achieve CO₂ neutrality throughout the entire supply chain by 2030. They cover almost all emissions in these areas.

In "Material development and procurement" alone, Sumitomo is aiming for a 25 per cent reduction by 2030 compared to 2021: by using sustainable materials and strengthening supplier engagement. In the "Logistics" process, a further 10 percent is to be saved by 2030 (compared to the 2021 level), primarily by promoting modal shift and optimisation. In the areas of distribution, use and retreading/recycling, the manufacturer is taking a number of measures, including reducing tyre rolling resistance, extending tyre life, reducing tyre weight, expanding retreading capacity and using more sustainable raw materials.

These goals will be achieved by promoting the initiatives outlined in the "Driving Our Future Challenge 2050"*4 and the "TOWANOWA" *5 for each individual process. Sumitomo's approach is designed to support an improved circular economy.

Sumitomo has already exceeded the plan in terms of reducing emissions at its own production facilities and at suppliers. The use of renewable energies and energy-saving measures made a significant contribution to this. In 2021, the company set itself the goal of reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. Thanks to active efforts in all assigned areas, emissions were reduced ahead of schedule. Instead of sitting back with satisfaction, Sumitomo is now increasing its target to a reduction of 55 per cent by 2030 (compared to 2017 levels). The introduction of electricity generation using renewable energy sources in tyre factories in China and Thailand contributed significantly to the reduction. This underlines Sumitomo Rubber's ambition to achieve CO₂ neutrality by 2050.

The Sumitomo Rubber Group will intensify carbon neutrality initiatives throughout the supply chain and circular economy to further contribute to the development of a sustainable society.

Direct greenhouse gas emissions from operators themselves

Indirect emissions related to the use of electricity supplied by other companies

Indirect emissions other than scope 1 and 2 emissions (emissions from other companies in connection with the activities)

Long-term sustainability policy: "Driving forward our 2050 challenge for the future"

A circular economy concept for the tyre industry: TOWANOWA

Sumitomo Rubber Group achieves shift to 100% renewable energy to meet the electrical power needs of tyre plants in China (press release dated 18 January 2022)

Transition to CO2-free electricity at Sumitomo Rubber (Thailand) (press release 21 February 2023)