China-based Triangle Group is pushing its own green initiative. In a speech given at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 4, Triangle President Ding Yuhua highlighted the company's goals.
In the last four years, the company has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 50,000 tons, "which is the equivalent to the emissions of 2,500 cars combined in one year," he said. In addition, through improved construction, compound formulation, tread design and tire-vehicle compatibility,Triangle has made its tires more fuel efficient.
"The emissions of tires for passenger cars have been reduced by 5 to 8%, and for big commercial trucks by 7 to 10%."
Ding said a new "productive force" must be created to address new problems, including economic challenges and "the huge shadow" cast by tariffs imposed on Chinese consumer tire exports to the United States.
"What is the new productive force? It is a new and forward-looking concept that is rooted in protection of our earth and our environment and with 'low-carbon economy, green manufacturing' at its core. As a company, both environmental protection and social civilization are equally important to us.
"The balance among commitment to economy development, environment protection and societal development is the key to creating a new productive force."
He proposed the following:
1. Green products. "We must pay close attention to the issues of product safety and carbon dioxide emissions during the lifespan of our products, from raw material to manufacturing to daily use."
2. Green manufacturing. "From a product life cycle perspective, such as designing, producing, packaging, transporting and using, we must make efforts to minimize the negative effects that each above step causes."
3. Green consuming. "From the cycle of the supply chains to the end-users, we must reflect and promulgate the culture of green consumption."
4. Ecological economy. "Based on low energy consumption, low pollution and low carbon dioxide emission, we must adopt a new energy strategy, (and) develop a low-carbon economy, ciruclar economy and environmental protection economy. These will keep harmony and balance in the relationship between humans and nature."
Ding said these proposals "can help us identify new ways to save and revitalize our industry, the tire industry, in China, especially when we face the challenges of the financial crisis."
Tire rolling resistance is one of the key factors influencing carbon emissions, representing 20% of the vehicle's total energy usage, he said.
"In the next three years, more than 70% of our products will be 'green," he added.
