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SOUTH AMERICA
Reverse Logistics at Bridgestone Bandag
Like any product, end of life tyres need to be disposed of properly and in the appropriate place in order not to cause environmental degradation. Seeking the conscious disposal of these goods has resulted in the so-called "reverse logistics", which allows the return of post-consumer products to the manufacturer, a process which for many is the mechanism that will save the planet from mountains of inorganic waste.
With this in mind, Bridgestone Bandag in Brazil maintains several environmental protection programs within their production units, carrying out the selective collection and correct disposal of their waste. The proper disposal of scrap tyres in Brazil is done through the collection program managed by RECICLANIP, an institution created by the ANIP (National Association of Tire Industry), of which Bridgestone is a member along with other tyre manufacturers. RECICLANIP operates in conjunction with the State Environmental Agencies and
the National Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). Tyres collected are sent to registered crushing and shredding companies. The fragments are reused in different ways: as an alternative fuel in cement kilns, as a raw material in the manufacture of flooring blocks, making shoe soles, rubber seals and replacement parts for the automotive industry, among other uses .
In addition, in the
retreading field, Bandag retreading facilities supply buffing dust, which is used as an alternative energy source and also used in poly-sports courts.
"In addition to the manufacturer's responsibility to get rid of what they created with the least impact to the environment, there must be
commitment from customers to make the best purchase, with companies that offer alternatives like this, "says marketing manager at Bridgestone Bandag, Ricardo Drygalla.
RECICLANIP is considered one of the major initiatives of Brazilian industry in the area of post- consumption responsibility. Proper
collection and disposal is carried out by the entity, which now has about 700 sampling points, distributed in 22 states, allowing for the appropriate treatment of 330 million scrap tyres through December 2010.