Michelin gearing up for carbon neutrality by 2050

Environmental sustainability and financial and social fairness are increasingly present on the agendas of several industrial companies and their boardrooms. The new direction undertaken by the global economy looks at generating profits while respecting the needs of people and the planet. This is precisely Michelin’s goal with its "All Sustainable Strategy". An ambitious plan whose objective is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, by reducing factory CO2 emissions by as much as 50% and increasing the use of sustainable raw materials in all its products to 40% by 2030. In order to achieve this, the French multinational has launched a series of projects concerning improved industrial processes and accessing new markets such as mobility services, flexible composites, 3D printing, medical equipment and logistics, not to mention the production of renewable hydrogen energy, thanks to Symbio's fuel-cell systems. An important role in this transition will also be played by tires which, Michelin assures, will have a reduced environmental impact. Examples of this are Michelin’s e.Primacy and Pilot Sport Ev. Both have been designed to improve energy performance and reduce consumption thanks to a lower rolling resistance. A fundamental role in this evolutionary path will be played by the Italian-based plants, considered by the Michelin Group as international benchmarks in terms of innovation and sustainability.

 

Michelin e.Primacy

Michelin E Primacy

Michelin e.Primacy is the first eco-responsible tire, a company note points out, obtaining an Environmental Product Declaration (Epd). The entire life cycle of the tire has been integrated into its design to address the environmental impact of such a product. Michelin e.Primacy is rated "A" in energy efficiency and "B" in wet grip. Low rolling resistance translates into a saving of approximately 0.21 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres which, in turn, leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions. For the environment, this gain can be estimated, according to Michelin, at 174kg over the life of the tire, corresponding to the Co2 emissions generated by a vehicle traveling more than 1,600km. At the same time, the tire’s smoothness, improves the energy efficiency of an electric vehicle, increasing its mileage by about 7%, that means an extra 30 km more for a vehicle with a range of 400 km. Furthermore, Michelin e.Primacy boasts a consistent level of performance from the first to the last kilometre. A statement that is confirmed, as the Group points out, by the wet braking test, currently used as a reference by the European R117 approval standards. During the design phase of the Michelin e.Primacy, engineers made generous use of several technologies. Thanks to an innovative compound, the sidewalls absorb less energy when flexing. The U-shaped grooves ensure adequate performance on wet roads as water is evacuated effectively. The thinner plies feature an innovative design that offers the same strength while requiring fewer raw materials.

The Passive Energy compound, the main reason for Michelin e.Primacy's low rolling resistance, is based on a highly resilient elastomer. Within the compound, the improved elastomer-reinforcement bond reduces energy loss, lowering rolling resistance and, therefore, reducing the amount of fuel or electricity needed to move the vehicle. The Maxtouch structure maximizes the tire's contact with the road and evenly distributes forces when braking, accelerating and cornering. Energy AirShield, on the other hand, is an airtight layer of rubber that reduces energy loss, assisting in lowering the rolling resistance. The Michelin e.Primacy is available in 56 sizes, from 15 to 20 inches.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport EV

 

Michelin Pilot Sport EVThe first Michelin tire to be developed specifically for sporty EVs offers better handling and greater mileage as well as being the first to be available both as original equipment and aftermarket. Stemming from the experience gained over six seasons of Formula E, Michelin Pilot Sport EV incorporates ElectricGrip Compound technology, which uses a harder compound in the centre of the tread - to offer a higher level of grip and the ability to handle the high torques that are so common in electric sports cars - and a high-efficiency compound on the shoulders, which reduces energy consumption for longer distances. Another feature of the new Michelin Pilot Sport EVMichelin Pilot Sport EV is the use of Michelin Acoustic technology, which consists of a specially developed polyurethane foam insert able to reduce the noise normally perceived inside the vehicle. At the same time, the sidewall of the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tire, incorporates the same design found in Formula E, with a "velvet effect". The Michelin Pilot Sport EV is available in 16 sizes - 11 as original equipment and 5 for the aftermarket - for wheels from 18 to 22 inches.  Again, in order to achieve carbon neutrality over the tire's entire lifecycle, Michelin has committed to neutralizing the CO2 emissions associated with tire production and transportation up to the time of purchase. This process is achieved through a project aimed at offsetting and absorbing the residual CO2 emissions associated with production.

 

 

Euromaster invests in IT and training 

Michelin’s own distribution network, with its 263 centres throughout Italy, has launched its "vision 2025". Greater use of IT systems, technical and managerial training and environmental sustainability are the very core of the company’s strategy. These are the objectives that Euromaster has set itself in order to grow the business volume of its affiliates and increase the loyalty of its customers. In this programme, an important role will be played by the many events and meetings that the network is planning in the coming months. Starting from September, Euromaster's representatives will meet network members in Turin, Verona, Siena, Fermo, Naples and Catania. "After a year and a half in which we have been discussing things from a distance, it is important to meet again with the network to exchange ideas and talk about the future - said Maurizio Bramazza, marketing director of Euromaster Italia - Just as it will be important to be present, in May 2022, at the Autopromotec exhibition, where we will have the opportunity to get back in touch with the whole automotive aftermarket industry and contribute to boost a sector able to generate value and job opportunities".