Environment
Our unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability is driven by a comprehensive approach that includes energy management and efficiency, emission management, water stewardship, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and climate resilience.
We commit to integrating climate resilience and sustainability into our operations, minimising environmental impacts, enhancing resource efficiency, and contributing positively to climate action.
Our approach encompasses a broad range of initiatives targeting the following four pillars: Carbon Management and Emissions Reduction, Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy, Sustainable Water Use and Consumption, and Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience.
This holistic strategy ensures that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our business model – from raw material sourcing and manufacturing processes to product design and end-of-life tyre management.
At BKT, we are deeply determined to minimise our environmental footprint. A cornerstone of our environmental strategy is the integration of renewable energy sources into our operations.
These measures have improved our energy efficiency and resulted in substantial energy savings of 50,737 GJ during the fiscal year 2023-24. During this period, we also reached a significant milestone by achieving a GHG emission reduction of 16,079 tCO2e across all operations.
Utilising off-gasses as a fuel source enables us to effectively boost our energy efficiency and reduce dependence on coal-powered thermal energy. Using off-gas also reduces our reliance on non-renewable grid electricity, resulting in 27,825 tCO2e avoided emissions for the financial year (2023-24).
We strive to minimise waste and enhance the recycling and reuse of materials within our processes. By aligning our strategies with the most reputable sustainability reporting standards we effectively manage waste, reduce our environmental impact, and contribute to our sustainability goal.
During FY 2023-24, 99.15% of total waste generated was diverted away from disposal either through recycling or reuse. Energy conservation and the integration of renewable energy sources are also key priorities for us. Off-gas is our largest source of energy, derived as a byproduct from Carbon black manufacturing and is used primarily in our thermal energy systems, enhancing our sustainability efforts.
By focusing on utilising off-gas and increasing the share of renewable energy, we have reduced our energy consumption from non-renewable electricity by 26.26% and increased our share of renewable energy by 5.84% YoY.
At BKT, we are committed to water conservation and replenishing groundwater levels through comprehensive rainwater harvesting initiatives and wastewater treatment processes.
As well as seeing a 43.54% YoY decrease in groundwater consumption, these effective initiatives have successfully conserved 153,435 KL of water, representing 7.93% of the total water consumed in 2023-24.
We do this through: AC condensate reuse systems, Reverse osmosis, Comprehensive water management, Innovative water management solutions, and Advanced water reuse systems.
The tyre manufacturing industry faces significant climate-related risks due to its extensive reliance on natural resources, energy-intensive processes, and intricate supply chains.
Due to climate change, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and heat waves are increasing. These events threaten production continuity, infrastructure integrity, and supply chain logistics.
In response to these risks, we have developed robust climate resilience and business continuity strategies, focusing on enhancing supply chain resilience, investing in disaster proof infrastructure, and fostering continuous innovation to stay ahead of emerging climate risks.
At BKT, we prioritise energy efficiency in tyre manufacturing, setting new industry standards through innovative practices and processes to ensure a sustainable, greener future.
Our recent upgrades, ranging from installing energy-efficient systems to optimising resource use, are pivotal in our strategy to cut down energy consumption significantly. Additionally, we are cultivating a collaborative network of partners who share our vision of sustainability, encouraging them to adopt similar environmental stewardship principles, thus amplifying our collective impact on the planet.
Through new and ongoing initiatives involving the expansion of renewable energy use and operating efficiency, we have aligned our efforts closely to improve energy performance across our operations.
Our Carbon Plant has undertaken a series of comprehensive sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, enhancing energy efficiency, minimising waste, and promoting resource recycling. Actions taken included:
-
Establishing a recycling program with customers for returning used pallets to reduce plastic waste and improve resource efficiency.
-
Sourcing oil with 50% less sulphur content to lower sulphur emissions.
-
Implementing an improved design for filter bags with a 25% longer lifespan to reduce waste filter bags and improve resource efficiency.
-
Upgrading to high-temperature refractory lining to enhance combustion efficiency and improve fuel efficiency.
-
Installing a flare stack to burn off excess gas, converting harmful carbon monoxide to CO2.
At BKT, we are committed to restoring local biodiversity, preserving natural habitats, promoting regional biodiversity health, and fostering an ecological balance.
Biodiversity protection is crucial to our industry and operations as it ensures the sustainability of natural resources, which are vital for production processes. As such, we continue to implement eco-restoration projects and carry out extensive tree-planting operations in and around our plant premises.
In 2023-24, we planted 24,937 trees within our operational boundary. To date, we have planted a total of 100,910 trees within the boundary, covering 581,054 m² of land.
As of 2023-24, we have also maintained ~40,000 trees outside our operational boundary to restore and maintain natural habitats as well as develop significant carbon sinks that improve air quality, regulate temperature, and enhance the overall ambiance around our facilities.
Through our biodiversity efforts, we strive to minimise our environmental impact and support the resilience of the natural world for future generations.
