Pirelli Awards Top Global Suppliers for Sustainability and Innovation

Pirelli recently celebrated its annual Supplier Day, recognizing the standout contributions of key global partners in sustainability, quality, and innovation. With a commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing tyre technology, Pirelli honoured suppliers who share its vision for a sustainable future in the automotive industry. From groundbreaking sustainable practices to cutting-edge digital advancements like the Pirelli Cyber Tyre, these partnerships are essential to Pirelli’s mission of delivering high-performance and eco-conscious tyre solutions.

Pirelli’s Commitment to Sustainability in Tyre Manufacturing

As a leader in high-performance tyre manufacturing, Pirelli is deeply committed to sustainability across its operations. The company’s sustainability initiatives are woven into every stage of production, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to reducing emissions throughout the supply chain. Through partnerships with like-minded suppliers, Pirelli is actively pursuing a greener future for the tyre industry, ensuring that innovation goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility.

Pirelli’s 2040 Net Zero Goals and Scope 3 Emissions

Pirelli’s commitment to sustainability is driven by ambitious goals for carbon neutrality. The company’s 2040 Net Zero target includes a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions across all operations, with interim milestones for 2030. 

By 2030, Pirelli aims to cut total greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 80% compared to 2018 levels, and to reduce Scope 3 emissions—resulting from the purchase of raw materials, services, and transport—by 30%. This dedication to significant CO2 reduction aligns with Pirelli’s long-term vision for a sustainable supply chain and responsible manufacturing, recently endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Through these efforts, Pirelli continues to lead the way in sustainable tyre production.

Sustainable Tyres for a Greener Future

Pirelli is dedicated to developing sustainable tyres that balance high performance with environmental responsibility. Central to this mission is the company’s collaboration with strategic suppliers who share its commitment to eco-friendly practices. By working closely with partners who prioritise sustainability, such as those incorporating alternative fuels and low-emission processes, Pirelli ensures that its tyres are produced with minimal environmental impact. 

These partnerships are essential in advancing Pirelli’s sustainable product innovations, from using FSC™-certified natural rubber in motorsport tyres to integrating renewable materials across its consumer tyre lines. Together with its suppliers, Pirelli is driving the future of tyres towards a greener, more sustainable world.

Recognising Excellence in Supplier Collaboration

At Pirelli, supplier partnerships play a vital role in achieving excellence across sustainability, quality, and innovation. To honour these valuable collaborations, Pirelli hosts its annual Supplier Day, celebrating suppliers who have made outstanding contributions to the company’s objectives. 

This year’s event highlighted the key role that suppliers play in supporting Pirelli’s commitment to producing high-performance, sustainable tyres. By recognizing and rewarding excellence in the supply chain, Pirelli fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement with its global partners.

2024 Supplier Awards: Honouring the Best

The 2024 Supplier Day was held at Pirelli’s headquarters in Milan, bringing together 80 strategic suppliers from around the world. These partners, chosen from large, medium, and small companies, represent about 40% of Pirelli’s annual global purchases. 

Seven suppliers were honoured with awards by Pirelli’s Chief Purchasing Officer and Head of Supply Chain, Luca Galantina, for their exceptional contributions to key areas such as sustainability, innovation, and quality. The awards celebrate the unique role that each partner plays in supporting Pirelli’s mission to lead in tyre technology, sustainability, and performance.

Award Categories and Noteworthy Winners

Each award category reflects an area of strategic importance for Pirelli. The 2024 Supplier Awards recipients and their contributions include:

• Sustainability Award: Pibra Trasporti, a logistics supplier, recognized for its commitment to sustainability by employing trucks powered by alternative fuels such as battery electric and biomethane for activities related to Pirelli.
• Process Innovation: VMI Holland B.V., awarded for advancements in tyre manufacturing machinery that optimise production efficiency and quality.
• Material Innovation: Asahi Kasei Corporation, acknowledged for its contributions as a synthetic rubber supplier and research partner, aiding in the development of advanced tyre materials.
• Quality Award: Shandong Yanggu Huatai Chemical Co., a supplier of essential chemicals for tyre compounds, recognized for its adherence to Pirelli’s high-quality standards.
• Service Level Award: Shanghai Inoac Polymer Products Co., a supplier of polyurethane foams, recognized for delivering consistently high service levels in tyre production.
• Digital Transformation: Salesforce.com, awarded for its role in supporting Pirelli’s digital transformation through innovative CRM solutions that enhance processes and platforms.
• Excellence: Jiangsu Xingda Steel Tyre Cord Group Corp, honoured for providing metal reinforcements that meet Pirelli’s rigorous standards of excellence.

Through these awards, Pirelli acknowledges the critical contributions of each partner in advancing sustainability, quality, and innovation within the tyre industry.

Pirelli’s Focus on Innovative Tyres and Technology

Innovation is at the heart of Pirelli’s approach to tyre manufacturing, driving advancements that set new standards for performance, safety, and digital integration. Pirelli’s focus on innovation extends to every part of its operations, from cutting-edge material development to intelligent tyre technology that enhances vehicle connectivity. This commitment to continuous improvement enables Pirelli to lead the industry with tyres that are not only high-performing but also responsive to the latest technological trends.

The Pirelli Cyber Tyre: Advancing Smart Tyre Technology

The Pirelli Cyber Tyre is a prime example of Pirelli’s dedication to integrating smart technology into its products. As part of Pirelli’s broader digital transformation strategy, the Cyber Tyre incorporates sensors that collect real-time data on factors like tyre pressure, temperature, and tread wear. 

This data is transmitted to the vehicle’s control system, allowing for more precise performance adjustments and enhancing overall safety. The Cyber Tyre is a key innovation that supports Pirelli’s goal to create more connected and responsive tyres, positioning the company as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of smart mobility.

Process and Material Innovations Driving Tyre Performance

Pirelli’s commitment to innovation also extends to the materials and processes used in its tyre production. Collaborations with award-winning suppliers like Asahi Kasei and VMI Holland B.V. have led to significant advancements in both synthetic rubber materials and tyre manufacturing machinery. 

Asahi Kasei, recognized for material innovation, contributes to the development of new, high-performance rubber compounds that enhance tyre durability and grip. Meanwhile, VMI Holland B.V. plays a crucial role in process innovation, providing machinery that increases production efficiency and maintains Pirelli’s high standards of quality. These process and material innovations enable Pirelli to continually improve its products, delivering tyres that offer superior performance and longevity.

Through these advancements, Pirelli not only meets the demands of high-performance driving but also leads the way in creating sustainable and technologically advanced tyres for the future.

Quality and Performance in Tyre Manufacturing

At Pirelli, quality and performance are fundamental principles that define the company’s approach to tyre manufacturing. By upholding the highest standards in raw materials and production processes, Pirelli ensures that every tyre meets the rigorous demands of its customers. From everyday drivers to high-performance enthusiasts, Pirelli’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering, supported by a network of dedicated suppliers and innovative manufacturing practices.

Quality as a Pillar of Pirelli’s Success

Pirelli’s reputation for quality is built on meticulous selection and sourcing of raw materials, as well as a commitment to precision in every stage of the manufacturing process. By working with suppliers who adhere to strict quality standards—such as Shandong Yanggu Huatai Chemical Co., recognized for excellence in supplying tyre compounds—Pirelli is able to produce tyres that offer optimal safety, durability, and performance. This dedication to high standards in both materials and services enables Pirelli to maintain its leadership position in the global tyre industry.

Motorsport Excellence and FSC™-Certified Natural Rubber in Formula 1

Pirelli’s pursuit of quality extends into the world of motorsport, where the company’s tyres are trusted by top racing teams, including in Formula 1. Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, highlights the company’s commitment to both performance and sustainability in this demanding arena. This year, Pirelli took a pioneering step by introducing Formula 1 competition tyres made with FSC™-certified natural rubber, aligning high-performance standards with responsible sourcing practices. This sustainable innovation not only reduces environmental impact but also demonstrates Pirelli’s ability to combine cutting-edge performance with eco-conscious practices. Through its work in motorsport, Pirelli continues to set a benchmark for quality and innovation in the tyre industry.

The Future of Sustainable and Innovative Tyres with Pirelli

Pirelli is paving the way for a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. By continuously pushing the boundaries of tyre technology and championing eco-friendly practices, Pirelli aims to set new standards for the industry. As consumer and environmental expectations evolve, Pirelli remains committed to delivering tyres that not only perform exceptionally but also support a more sustainable world.

Collaborating for a Responsible and Sustainable Supply Chain

A responsible and sustainable supply chain is integral to Pirelli’s mission. Through close collaboration with suppliers who share its commitment to eco-conscious practices, Pirelli ensures that its products are manufactured with minimal environmental impact. Partners like Pibra Trasporti, awarded for its use of alternative fuel vehicles, and Asahi Kasei, recognized for innovative materials, contribute significantly to Pirelli’s sustainability goals. By fostering these relationships, Pirelli builds a robust, responsible supply chain that upholds the company’s standards for quality, performance, and environmental stewardship.

Moving Forward: Pirelli’s Vision for Sustainable and Innovative Tyre Solutions

Looking to the future, Pirelli is dedicated to advancing tyre technology that combines high performance with sustainable practices. This vision includes expanding the use of renewable and recyclable materials, reducing emissions across the manufacturing process, and enhancing smart tyre technology with innovations like the Pirelli Cyber Tyre. Pirelli’s commitment to continuous improvement reflects its goal to lead the industry in producing tyres that meet the demands of tomorrow’s drivers and environmental standards. Through relentless innovation and responsible practices, Pirelli is shaping the future of sustainable mobility in the tyre industry.