TOKYO, September 2025 – Bridgestone Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable mobility as title sponsor of the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), the world’s most prestigious solar car race, held in Australia from August 24 to 31. The company supplied all competing teams with tires featuring ENLITEN® technology, developed with more than 65% recycled and renewable materials. For the first time, the tires also incorporated recovered carbon black and recycled steel, both created through close collaboration with industry partners.
This milestone underscores Bridgestone’s holistic approach to sustainability—spanning raw material procurement, product development, production, logistics, usage, and end-of-life recycling—while delivering outstanding performance across a grueling 3,000 km endurance race. Notably, vehicles equipped with ENLITEN technology tires claimed victories in both the Challenger and Cruiser classes, further demonstrating the balance of durability, efficiency, and innovation embedded in the products.
Driving Sustainability from Raw Materials to Recycling
Raw Materials and Procurement
Through extensive co-creation, Bridgestone raised the recycled and renewable content of BWSC tires to over 65%.
- Recovered Carbon Black: Developed with ENEOS Corporation via advanced pyrolysis, carbon black was successfully reclaimed from end-of-life tires at Bridgestone Innovation Park in Tokyo and applied to BWSC tires for the first time.
- Recycled Steel: End-of-life tires collected at the Bridgestone Tire Recycle Center in Osaka were processed by Sanyo Special Steel Co., Ltd. and Nippon Steel Corporation, creating recycled bead wire now featured in competition tires.
Development: ENLITEN Technology in Action
At the core of the BWSC tires was Bridgestone’s ENLITEN base technology, enabling ultra-low rolling resistance, lightweight construction, and enhanced wear performance—critical to maximizing solar vehicle efficiency under extreme Australian outback conditions.
The tires also integrated Twaron Next®, a new aramid material with circular content developed by Teijin Aramid, marking another advancement in sustainable product design.
Production and Logistics: Reducing CO₂ Emissions
Sustainable marine fuel, supplied through DHL’s GoGreen Plus program, cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions from tire transportation by up to 85%. This achievement reflects Bridgestone’s efforts to embed low-carbon practices across the supply chain.
Use: Extending Tire Life, Reducing Waste
Improved durability reduced the average number of tires supplied per team from 24 to 16—cutting resource use without compromising reliability or performance.
Recycle: Closing the Loop
Partnering with Australian company RubberGem, Bridgestone will recycle end-of-life BWSC tires into premium rubber flooring products for farms worldwide, turning endurance-race waste into long-term value.
Victories on the Road to a Sustainable Future
Bridgestone-equipped teams triumphed in both major categories:
- Challenger Class Winner – Brunel Solar Team (Delft University of Technology):
“The Bridgestone tires performed exceptionally well, especially in terms of wear resistance,” said team member Elias Wawoe. “They are a clear example of how innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand.” - Cruiser Class Winner – VTC Solar Car Team (Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education):
“Bridgestone tires were extremely reliable—no punctures despite harsh terrain,” said Kelvin To. “They helped us save energy and prove the value of sustainable innovation.” - Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award – Iron Lions Solar Car Team (Greenville High School, USA):
Recognized for embodying Bridgestone’s E8 values, the student team showcased the educational power of motorsport innovation.
Bridgestone’s Ongoing Commitment
Reflecting on the event, Hiroshi Imai, Vice President and Senior Officer responsible for Global Motorsports at Bridgestone, stated:
“We are proud that our ENLITEN-equipped tires not only supported the winning teams but also contributed to safer, more efficient racing for all. The BWSC is a true ‘mobile laboratory,’ and the innovations born here will shape the future of sustainable mobility and global motorsports.”
A Vision Beyond Competition
With this year’s successes, Bridgestone has now supported three consecutive Challenger class victories and four consecutive Cruiser class wins at the BWSC. More importantly, the company has demonstrated how innovation can align competitive performance with environmental responsibility.
From raw materials to recycling, Bridgestone’s work at the BWSC highlights the potential of collaborative innovation to accelerate the global transition toward sustainable mobility—on the racecourse, and on the road.
