Pirelli Tyres Global Award Winning Sustainability Approach

The recent Global Financial Crisis (GFC) forced many companies within the tyre industry to review their attitude towards sustainability and adopt more user- friendly practices, as part of their core strategy.

The changing economic and environmental world was a wake up call and confirmation that the competitive position of a company, in terms of environment, economic culture and production systems, determines its potential to create value for its customers and distribution network… a concept recognised by Pirelli Tyres.

In recognition of the lead Pirelli is making in its field, towards the end of last year, Pirelli Tyres was once again confirmed as the global leader in the Autoparts and Tyres segment in the Dow Jones sustainability indices and the “Sustainability Yearbook 2009,” prepared by SAM (Sustainable Asset Management) Group with PriceWaterhouse Coopers.

Pirelli recognised that sustainable trends such as climate change and resource efficiency all impact on its own and the global environment. With this knowledge, the Pirelli Group invested heavily in quality management, restructuring and branding exercises establishing several companies to research, develop and implement new more sustainable strategies and technologies.

Chairman of the Pirelli Group, Marco Tronchetti Provera, recently explained the company’s 2009- 2011 three year plan which carries the slogan “Green Performance.”

He spoke of the company’s overall plan to move towards eco- compatible technology, allowing Pirelli to remain competitive in the market, and still strive to generate 40 percent revenue from “green performance” products in 2011.

Focusing on Sustained Mobility, Pirelli is committed to the research of the green components of tyres, anti particulate filters, and a green approach to production, in which factories will be refitted to reduce water and energy consumption.

Within its segment of the Dow Jones Sustainability indices, Pirelli achieved worldwide leadership for the third consecutive year with a global rating of 88 percent (up 11 percent from 2008) and well above the segment average of 48 percent.

In Australia, Pirelli Tyres has a long standing relationship with respected independent tyre retailer, JAXQuickfit Tyres.

“JAXQuickfit Tyres has been servicing Australian motorists since 1949 and retailing Pirelli tyres for over 45 years,” JAXQuickfit Tyres, CEO, Jeff Board said.

“Our priority is to supply products of only the highest quality to our customers. By associating ourselves with top global tyre brands like Pirelli, we will ensure that innovative, quality products and services are available to our customers from these respected suppliers.”

“Jeff went on to say “we congratulate Pirelli for taking their lead in this sector and are extremely proud of our long standing relationship”.

To stay at the forefront of technology, those in the tyre industry will need to follow the lead set by Pirelli, focusing on innovation, quality products and services as well as cost competitiveness. Furthermore, consideration of the ever growing environmental regulations for production processes, consumer end products and total company sustainability initiatives will be required.