Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has committed to using sustainably produced U.S. soybean oil and phasing out petroleum-derived oils from its products by 2040.
The new procurement policy features a variety of components, including provisions across the supply chain for responsible land use, growing, harvesting, and processing. With its goal to be a global leader in sustainability, the U.S. soy industry is well-positioned to meet this demand, says the United Soybean Board, touting their farmers’ practices such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and nutrient management to improve soil health.
Goodyear’s commitment comes after research conducted in partnership with the soy checkoff showed soybean oil could improve tire flexibility across temperatures. Soybean oil can also provide better grip on road surfaces, making it ideal for Goodyear’s all-weather tire line. In addition to making road worthy tires, the soybean process uses slightly less oil than the petroleum formula, explains John Jansen of United Soybean.
The soybean oil tire innovation was first commercialized in 2017 and expanded in 2018, then again in 2020. Goodyear’s 2020 use of soybean oil increased 73% over 2018 usage. Light and heavy-duty truck tires made with soybean oil are still in development. In March 2021, the company made its sustainable soybean oil procurement policy announcement that “reflects its strong commitment to the responsible sourcing of raw materials.”
“Goodyear’s use of soybean oil is growing, and we want our actions to make a difference in the lives of soybean farmers and others in the soybean supply chain,” says Maureen Thune, VP and chief procurement officer. “Our new policy will help guide us as we work with processors, farmers, and others to strengthen the sustainability of the global soybean supply chain.”
“We are pleased to partner with Goodyear for their award-winning innovation with U.S. soy in tires and are ready to meet their current and future needs for the sustainable procurement of soybeans,” says United Soybean Board farmer-leader Ed Lammers.
Goodyear’s new soybean oil procurement policy is effective immediately and applies to all soybean-based materials sourced by its operations worldwide.
