Nokian Tyres and Polestar 0 to create the first climate-neutral car

This ambitious project by Polestar seeks to remove all greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and end-of-life of the car. Nokian Tyres is contributing by developing tyres that align with these climate-neutral goals.

The Polestar 0 project's objective is to eradicate CO2 emissions throughout the car’s supply chain, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life without relying on offsetting. This involves cooperation across the entire development process and value chain, including suppliers and retailers. Every component, including their value chains, must achieve climate neutrality.

Collaboration among various stakeholders is key to making significant advancements. Teemu Soini, Head of Innovation and Development at Nokian Tyres, expressed his views on the partnership: “This type of partnership is a perfect match when it comes to Nokian Tyres’ values, business, and our ambitious work on sustainability. The collaboration, research, and results achieved will have broader benefits also outside this project, as new ways of decreasing the carbon footprints of different business activities will be created. Some of them may be available already before 2030 where the project goal is set. For example, the tire innovations created during the Polestar 0 project will be utilised in Nokian Tyres’ products as soon as it is possible.”

Nokian Tyres has a long history of innovation for safe and sustainable driving. Recently, it introduced the Nokian Tyres Green Step concept tyre, consisting of 93% recycled or renewable materials. Its focus on electric vehicles has been central to its R&D for over a decade, with its entire tyre range being compatible with electric vehicles.

Soini further added: “Nokian Tyres has shown sustainability leadership in the tyre industry before, and we’re determined to do it again – this time by developing climate-neutral tyres. Tackling the climate crisis takes innovation, creativity, and collaboration across industries, and joining a groundbreaking project like Polestar 0 is exactly the type of challenge that we are eager to take on.”

Hans Pehrson, Head of the Polestar 0 project, also commented on the collaboration with Nokian Tyres: “Nokian Tyres has done extensive work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating energy-efficient, sustainable tyres. Their proven track record, experience and knowledge will be very valuable for us in the Polestar 0 project, when we together do research on eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. I look forward to cooperating with Nokian Tyres in developing the car of the future.”

In 2024, Nokian Tyres will open what is claimed to be the world’s first zero CO2 emission tyre factory in Oradea, Romania. This factory represents a significant step in the industry, using only green energy sources and energy-efficient processes. It aims to achieve zero waste to landfill, similar to the company’s other factories in Finland and the US. The first tyres from this new factory are expected to be produced in 2024, with commercial production commencing in 2025.