Top executives from tire companies in North America, Europe, Japan and South Korea recently met to examine the health and environmental impact of materials used in tire manufacturing, plus other concerns.
The following companies particpated in the conference, which was held Feb. 9 in Los Angeles, Calif.: Bridgestone Corp.; Continental AG; Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.; Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; Hankook Tire Co.; Kumho Tire Co. Inc.; Groupe Michelin; Pirelli & Cie; Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.; Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd.; and Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.
"Over the next 12 to 18 months, the companies will work with material suppliers to better understand the current potential and future risks for chemicals in tires, and perform sample collection and characterization of tire-wear particles found in the environment," say officials from the Rubber Manufacturers Association. "By late 2008, this program should permit a more precise risk assessment of both concerns.
"By taking an early look at these issues, these companies want to understand more about the challenges they face and formulate an approach to making the industry more sustainable by better assessing and managing impacts from its products and processes."
