ENSO, the tyre technology company developing better EV tyres, is today calling on COP28 leaders to phase out fossil fuels, and for a complete decarbonization of the global tire industry without delay.

During Transport Day at COP28, ENSO declared that it will lead the way in phasing out fossil fuels in the industry by decarbonizing its entire supply chain by 2030 – two decades ahead of mainstream tire manufacturers.

Despite increasing awareness of the impact of tires on carbon emissions, air pollution and ocean microplastic pollution, the tyre industry is not addressing these problems quickly enough. Existing industry targets to reach decarbonization by 2050 are not accompanied by transparent plans that will reduce CO₂ or Particulate Matter (PM) emissions at the pace required. Regulatory driven change and incentives to move the tyre industry forward are also lagging globally, with no new significant zero emission vehicle (ZEV) commitments made in 2023, and ineffective regulations set for the tire industry.

ENSO, a finalist in the ‘Clean Our Air’ category of this year’s Earthshot Prize, the prestigious annual environmental award established by Prince William, has renewed its commitment to lead the way on environmental standards in the tyre industry.  ENSO announced today that it will switch entirely to renewable, recyclable, bio-based and low carbon raw materials, to completely phase out all fossil fuel based materials from its products, by 2030.

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, Founder and CEO, ENSO:  “We all know that Earth is facing a climate crisis. The science is clear and ENSO’s mission is clear. We are committed to decarbonizing our entire supply chain by 2030. We call on the tyre industry and our partners to rise to this challenge. If we can do it, so can you. Equally, we call upon all our global and industry leaders at COP28 to show courage here in Dubai and agree to phase-out fossil-fuels.

“Any industry that deploys road-based transport anywhere its supply chain now has a clear responsibility to acknowledge and tackle the carbon footprint of their extensive operations. Unless the entire tire industry rapidly also accelerates its decarbonization efforts, it will be lagging in the drive towards a more sustainable future.”

In addition to ENSO’s commitment to decarbonizing its EV tires by 2030, ENSO plans to manufacture its leading EV tires at a brand-new carbon-neutral tyre factory, to produce safer, more durable, more energy efficient and more affordable tyres, with 100% renewable energy.