Bridgestone Thailand: Advancing Carbon Neutrality with Renewable Energy

Bridgestone entities in Thailand intensify carbon neutrality initiatives with enhanced renewable electricity adoption in tyre production

PUBLISHED : 10 Aug 2023 at 16:38

Bridgestone Tyre Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (BTMT) and Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. (TBSC) are making significant strides towards curbing their carbon footprint, targeting reductions of 208,404 tons and 98,505 tons in total CO2 emissions, respectively, by 2025.

These initiatives align with the Bridgestone Group’s far-reaching environmental vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These proactive efforts, geared towards creating eco-friendly and intelligent factories, contribute to fostering a carbon-neutral mobility society. This endeavour also dovetails with the corporate commitment of “Bridgestone E8 Commitment,” aimed at expediting the transition to a sustainable solutions company.

As part of the Bridgestone Group’s roadmap towards carbon neutrality by 2050, Bridgestone Tyre Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (BTMT) in the Chonburi province and Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. (TBSC) in the Nong Khae plant of Saraburi province, have been granted Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from Mekha V Co., Ltd. (Mekha V). Mekha V, a subsidiary of PTT PLC. (PTT) and a key player in AI Robotics and Digitalization, is committed to facilitating digital transformation and acting as a carbon neutrality partner in Thailand. This certification acknowledges the utilisation of renewable electricity in tyre production and exemplifies the collaborative commitment of Bridgestone and Mekha V in fortifying sustainable energy implementation across Thailand.

Bridgestone’s sources of renewable electricity currently encompass solar, wind, and hydropower. Through the acquisition of RECs, BTMT is transitioning 88% of its total electricity consumption to renewable sources over a span of three years, aiming to achieve a substantial reduction of 208,404 tons in overall CO2 emissions. Simultaneously, TBSC’s Nong Khae plant is shifting 55.6% of its total electricity usage to renewable electricity within a three-year period, contributing to a noteworthy decrease of 98,505 tons in total CO2 emissions.

Mr. Shousuke Namiyama, Managing Director of BTMT, emphasised, “BTMT is resolutely committed to achieving carbon neutrality. This year, we’ve raised our renewable electricity utilisation ratio to 100%, encompassing both renewable electricity sourced through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and solar rooftop panels. Our objective is to achieve an annual 100% utilisation of renewable purchased electricity. Beyond 2025, we will expand our solar rooftop panel installation by an additional 13% and shift from LPG to electric forklift trucks. Furthermore, we are partnering with external entities for renewable energy adoption, including the procurement of utility green tariffs.”

Mr. Tomohiro Irie, Technical Director of TBSC, stated, “Incorporating renewable electricity into tyre production marks a pivotal step towards realising the Bridgestone Group’s long-term environmental objective by 2050. Significantly, this initiative will drive sustainability initiatives within the broader Thai automotive sector. At present, renewable electricity accounts for 63.6% of Nong Khae plant’s energy used in tyre production, comprising 55.6% from renewable electricity derived from Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and 8% from solar rooftop panels. Looking ahead, our aim is to amplify the presence of solar rooftop panels across extensive sections of the Nong Khae plant by 2024, while also exploring the integration of biomass and hydrogen energy for the betterment of society, partners, and customers as a sustainable solutions provider.”

Mr. Attapon Phraephrewngarm, Senior General Manager of the Sustainability Division at TBSC, added, “Our endeavours align with the pursuit of Bridgestone Group’s long-term vision of attaining carbon neutrality by 2050, along with the Group’s medium-term environmental targets that encompass a 50% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions. Beyond these milestones, our initiatives epitomise the essence of the ‘Bridgestone E8 Commitment.’ This commitment stands as a testament to our dedication to realising a carbon-neutral mobility society by promoting the adoption of renewable energy and advancing tyre technologies and solutions that safeguard the environment for future generations, contributing to sustainability for all.”