Firestone uses recycled plastic in tires

Bridgestone Americas provided a new tire compound that uses recycled plastics in its construction.

As the series’ exclusive tire supplier, Bridgestone has incorporated ISCC PLUS certified recycled butadiene1, a monomer produced from hard-to-recycle used plastic shopping bags, film, stretch wrap and other flexible polymer packaging, developed in partnership with Shell, in all Firestone Firehawk race tires used at the Indianapolis 500. Bridgestone manufactured all race tires for the 2023 season at the ISCC PLUS-certified Advanced Tire Production Center (ATPC) in Akron. Additionally, Bridgestone partnered with Penske and Indianapolis Motor Speedway to transport all race tires to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) with electric 2023 Freightliner eCascadia from Penske Truck Leasing’s fleet of electric vehicles during the month of May.

“We are driving to increase sustainability in every area of our business, and we’re thrilled to showcase our commitment to sustainability in ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’,” said Paolo Ferrari, president & chief executive officer, Bridgestone Americas and joint global chief operating officer, Bridgestone Corporation. “We are further committed to a thriving and more sustainable future in motorsports.”

Firestone Firehawk race tires with sidewalls made using guayule-derived natural rubber were first introduced at the Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge in May 2022 as a first look before debuting in competition as the alternate race tire at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in August of last year. For the 2023 season, alternative tires using guayule-derived natural rubber have been expanded to all street courses.