Bridgestone backs Tyrewise
Bridgestone has welcomed the roll-out of New Zealand’s first nationally regulated product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres (ELT) from 2023.
The company says it’s fully supportive of the Tyrewise scheme announced on June 21 by David Parker, the Minister for the Environment, and the 3R Group.
It has been heavily involved in the decade-long consultation process for the project’s development and is confident a regulated approach to ELT management will drive positive and sustainable outcomes.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of this announcement,” says John Staples, Bridgestone’s director of New Zealand business. “After years of input, we’re beyond pleased to see action being taken when it comes to regulation.
“We place considerable importance on the responsible handling of ELTs because of our global and local commitment to sustainability, which is why we welcome the introduction of the regulated scheme from next year.”
It is estimated about 6.5 million tyres are removed from vehicles in New Zealand each year. The new project, known as Tyrewise, will ensure a positive environmental outcome to the current situation.
Once the regulated scheme is up and running, Tyrewise will be funded through an advanced stewardship fee proposed to be charged to tyre importers as the border.
Tyrewise was originally established in 2012 beginning the co-design of the product stewardship scheme for ELTs. The group worked together with the common interest that mandatory regulation was necessary under the Waste Minimisation Act to ensure whole-of-industry participation.
Staples adds: “This action from the government will see all tyre importers on a level playing field when it comes to contributing financially towards responsible end-of-life management.
“It will ensure all tyres brought into New Zealand contribute to the development of sustainable ELT solutions.
“Bridgestone has been a long-term supporter of the Tyrewise initiative and we’re glad to see the whole industry will be playing its part into the future.”
The company’s support of the scheme is underpinned by the global Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which is its platform for value co-creation towards a more sustainable future.
Through this, it is working towards its 2050 vision of providing social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company through the values of energy, ecology, efficiency, extension, economy, emotion, ease and empowerment.
