– By Gerard Norsa –
The tyre industry has taken on the responsibility to develop and implement best practice and accreditation for the management of used tyres at end-of-life. They are also aiming to reduce carbon emissions through improved tyre design. But improving the environment from both ends is a big job.
For this reason, Andrew Moffatt, managing director at Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand, urges fleet managers across Australia and New Zealand to ensure they’re working with suppliers that are environmentally conscious.
“It’s extremely important for fleet managers to align themselves with people that are aware of their environmental responsibilities and working to minimise their impact,” Mr Moffatt said in response to questions from Fleet Auto News.
“Our Ecopia passenger tyres can deliver a fuel saving of up to 5.7%, and up to a 5.8% reduction in CO₂ emissions, which when applied across a fleet represents a significant saving”.
“Bridgestone Ecopia low rolling resistance drive and trailer tyres may save trucking fleets hundreds of thousands in fuel costs, delivering savings of up to 6% per vehicle,” Mr Moffatt added.
Where do you get eco-tyres?
All the major brands have their own version of eco-tyres, so for fleet managers to get in the conversation it’s as easy as asking tyre suppliers about their range and negotiating a good dealer as you would with any other supplier.
One thing to know is fuel efficient tyres are more expensive, but it would appear the benefits in fuel savings cover the extra cost.
Therein lies a good cost story and one that marries to enterprise wide efforts to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint. Of course, every fleet is unique, so some will benefit more than others based on the type of vehicles used and distances travelled. Fleet Auto News suggests you do the sums and see if it works out for you.
For end-of-life tyres it would appear that only using suppliers and other industry stakeholders accredited by TSA as meeting minimum standards in disposal of used tyres is a no-brainer.
Leading tyre manufacturers and retailers as well as large fleet managers such as Defence and Australia Post are also making commitments to the TSA program and being accredited which shows the initiative is gaining momentum.
