Bridgestone Entities in Thailand Accelerate Carbon Neutrality Efforts through Enhanced Renewable Electricity Utilization in Tire Production

Thursday 27 July 2023 10:23
Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., are on track to reduce 208,404 tons and 98,505 tons in total CO2 emissions, respectively by 2025.Efforts are part of Bridgestone Group's long-term environmental vision to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.These efforts toward Green & Smart factory support a carbon neutral mobility society and align with a corporate commitment "Bridgestone E8 Commitment" which accelerates transformation to a sustainable solutions company.As part of Bridgestone Group's long-term environmental vision to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (BTMT), Chonburi province and Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. (TBSC), Nong Khae plant, Saraburi province, have received Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from Mekha V Co., Ltd. (Mekha V), leading provider of AI Robotics and Digitalization. With a mission to drive digital transformation and to be carbon neutrality partner in Thailand, owned subsidiary of PTT PLC. (PTT), to certify renewable electricity utilization in tire production. The collaboration demonstrates shared commitment of Bridgestone and Mekha V to strengthen sustainable energy implementation for Thailand.

Mr. Tomohiro Irie, Technical Director of TBSC(3rd right), Mr. Shousuke Namiyama, Managing Director of BTMT (2nd right)and Mr. Attapon Phraephrewngarm, Senior General Manager, Sustainability Division of TBSC (1st right) with Mr. Cherdchai Boonchoochauy, Senior Executive Vice President, Innovation and New Ventures of PTT and Chairman of Mekha V (3rd left), Mr. Charn Kulpatnirun, Managing Director of Mekha V (2nd left) and Mr. Nattachart Jerdnapapunt, Chief Product Officerof Mekha V (1st left) in RECs Handover Ceremonyto Bridgestone

At present, Bridgestone's sources of renewable electricity include solar, wind and hydropower. By purchasing RECs, BTMT shifts 88% of its total electricity utilization to renewable electricity over 3 years, *1 and is expecting to generate a 208,404 tons reduction in total CO2 emissions. *2 Meanwhile, TBSC's Nong Khae plant shifts 55.6% of the total electricity utilization to renewable electricity over 3 years, resulting in 98,505 tons reduction in total CO2 emissions. *3

Mr. Shousuke Namiyama, Managing Director of BTMT said, "BTMT is striving for carbon neutrality. This year we have increased the ratio of renewable electricity utilization to 100%, consisting of renewable electricity powered by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and solar rooftop panels. We aim for 100% renewable in purchased electricity every year. From 2025 onwards, we will expand solar rooftop panels installation by an additional 13%, and switch from LPG to electric forklift trucks. Furthermore, we will collaborate with partners for renewable energy utilization, such as utility green tariff purchasing from third parties."

Mr. Tomohiro Irie, Technical Director of TBSC said, "Implementing renewable electricity in tire production is a steppingstone for realizing Bridgestone Group's long-term environmental vision by 2050. Importantly, it will help propel sustainability initiatives for the broader Thai automotive industry. Currently, Nong Khae plant's renewable electricity utilization in tire production is at 63.6%, consisting of 55.6% from renewable electricity powered by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and 8% from solar rooftop panels.*4 Additionally, we are committed to encouraging more renewable energy utilization. From 2024 onwards, we are aiming to expand solar rooftop panels installation in extensive areas of Nong Khae plant, while continuing to study biomass and hydrogen energy utilization to deliver value to society, partners, and our customers as a sustainable solutions company."

Mr. Attapon Phraephrewngarm, Senior General Manager, Sustainability Division of TBSC added, "We're on track to reducing CO2 emissions in business operations to achieve Bridgestone Group's long-term environmental vision to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 as well as the Group's medium-term environmental targets that include a 50% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions*5. Beyond this, these initiatives reflect "Bridgestone E8 Commitment",*6 specifically to "Energy: committed to the realization of a carbon neutral mobility society by encouraging renewable energy utilization" and "Ecology: committed to advancing sustainable tire technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations and contribute to sustainability for all."

*1 Current total electricity utilization of Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Chonburi plant that calculated in 2023-2025, consisting of 1) 88% of Renewable Electricity powered by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) 2) 5% of Solar Rooftop Panel, and 3) 7% of explore various other forms of renewable energy sources. Moreover, we are aiming to further enhance the proportion of renewable energy utilization in the tire production and to be 100% renewable energy every year.

*2 Calculated using a factor of 0.4046 tons-CO2/MWh for 3 years by Bridgestone Asia Pacific Technology Center Co., Ltd.

*3 Calculated using a factor of 0.4725 tons-CO2/MWh for 3 years by Bridgestone Asia Pacific Technology Center Co., Ltd.

*4 Current total electricity utilization of Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., Nong Khae plant that calculated in 2023, consisting of 1) 55.6% of Renewable Electricity powered by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) 2) 36.4% of Cogeneration, and 3) 8% of solar rooftop panels. Moreover, we are aiming towards 100% renewable energy utilization in tire production in the future.

*5 Scope 1 and 2, Base Year: 2011

*6 The Bridgestone Group established its corporate commitment, the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment," to help it realize its vision: "Toward 2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social value and customer value as a sustainable solutions company." This commitment will serve as the Group's axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations. The "Bridgestone E8 Commitment" consists of eight uniquely Bridgestone values starting with the letter "E" (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that the Group will commit to creating through distinctly Bridgestone purposes and processes, together with employees, society, partners, and customers to help realize a sustainable society.
https://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/pdf/2022030101.pdf

About Bridgestone in Thailand

Headquartered in Tokyo, Bridgestone Corporation is a global leader providing sustainable mobility and advanced solutions. In Thailand, Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. (TBSC) is a leading manufacturer in the Thai automotive industry, while Bridgestone Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (BSTL) is the exclusive importer & distributor, and supervises the marketing strategy for Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton branded tires in Thailand. Bridgestone is a brand trusted by its customers, dealers and business partners. It offers an extensive range of quality tires, carefully developed to suit local conditions and to deliver social value and customer value. Bridgestone is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future of mobility and improving the way people move, live, work and play.



Source:  Bridgestone Thailand