Bridgestone Introduces Recycled Materials in Solar Challenge Tires

Bridgestone Corporation announced it will supply tires containing recycled materials to 33 teams competing in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The tires feature over 65% recycled and renewable materials, marking the first application of recovered carbon black and recycled steel developed through partnerships.

The tires incorporate recovered carbon black obtained through pyrolysis of end-of-life tires at Bridgestone's test facility in Tokyo, developed in collaboration with ENEOS Corporation since 2022. The company also integrated recycled steel from end-of-life tires processed by Nippon Steel Corporation and Sanyo Special Steel Co., Ltd.

The 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge will take place August 24-31 across approximately 3,000 kilometers of Australian terrain. Teams must traverse the continent using only solar power in vehicles designed for speed, energy efficiency, or experimental purposes. The competition includes 29 teams in the Challenger Class and 8 teams in the Cruiser Class.

Bridgestone has served as title sponsor of the biennial event since 2013. The company uses the competition as a testing ground for tire technology development, particularly for electric and solar-powered vehicles. The tires feature ENLITEN technology, which combines environmental performance with requirements for low rolling resistance, durability, and puncture resistance.

For shipping the tires to Australia, Bridgestone partnered with DHL to use sustainable maritime fuel, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional shipping methods. The initiative aligns with the company's circular economy goals and carbon neutrality targets.

The competition begins in Darwin and concludes in Adelaide, with teams facing harsh conditions across the Australian continent. Bridgestone supplies tires to teams in multiple categories, supporting both speed-focused vehicles and those designed for practical passenger transport.

The recycling partnerships represent part of Bridgestone's broader sustainability strategy. Since 2022, the company has developed chemical recycling processes for end-of-life tires, contributing to circular economy principles by converting waste materials into new tire components.