Through a partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Penske and Shell, Bridgestone will supply tires which feature ISCC PLUS-certified recycled butadiene for the NTT IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500. The monomer - manufactured from hard-to-recycle used plastic including shopping bags and other types of flexible polymer packaging - was developed in collaboration with Shell and features in the synthetic rubber Firestone Firehawk race tires set to be used at the Indianapolis 500.

All of the race tires required for the 2023 season will be produced by Bridgestone at its ISCC PLUS-certified Advanced Tire Production Center (ATPC) in Akron, Ohio, USA.

"We are driving to increase sustainability in every area of our business, and we're thrilled to showcase our commitment to sustainability in 'the greatest spectacle in racing'," said Paolo Ferrari, president and CEO, Bridgestone Americas and joint global chief operating officer, Bridgestone Corporation. "We are further committed to a thriving and more sustainable future in motorsports".

All of the tires used on the race cars for practice, qualifying and the main race utilize the new monomer - supplied by Shell - which replaces the previously used petroleum-based monomer.

"We're pleased with the performance of our Firestone Firehawk race tires during practice and qualifying for the Indianapolis 500", said Cara Krstolic, chief engineer, Bridgestone Americas. "Recycled monomer was used in the production of these tires, and the tires have proven to maintain the same high standard of performance we expect".