Tire Industry Supports New EU Climate Targets

The European tire industry welcomed the ambitious new climate targets set by the European Commission and called for maximum support for the new plan.

On September 17, the European Commission proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 55% by 2030 and to make the region "climate neutral" by 2050.

The European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) supported this ambitious goal and said that achieving it requires “close collaboration between industry, EU institutions and EU Member States”. The coordination of the parties, the association believes, should include a clear policy in the field of industrial competitiveness, trade, digitalization and mobility.

“For this level of ambition to be realistically achievable, it must receive adequate financial support so that the transition to a green economy can be made and no one is left behind,” said ETRMA General Secretary Fazilet Cinaralp.

Citing the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the European economy and tire industry, ETRMA notes that a successful recovery must be supported by a transition to new industry standards, which means lower emissions and a high degree of digitalization of all processes.

Thus, ETRMA welcomes "the commitment to devote 37% of the NextGenerationEU package of initiatives to support eco-projects and 20% to enhance digital transformation."

According to ETRMA, the European tire industry is committed to reducing CO2 emissions throughout the tire's life cycle and is actively investing in innovative and sustainable technologies. In addition, tire manufacturers are taking steps to reduce the emissions of their manufacturing facilities across the EU.