From Waste to Resource: Apollo Tyres’ Commitment to a Circular Economy

As a key player in global production, the manufacturing sector has the power to reshape how we use and conserve resources. Apollo Tyres recognises this unique role; we have various measures to embed circular practices into everything we do, aiming to turn waste into opportunity. After all, the transition to a circular economy is not just an environmental necessity but also an opportunity to innovate and create lasting value for businesses and communities.

Innovating with Sustainable Materials

A significant cornerstone of our approach to a circular economy lies in the materials we use. At Apollo Tyres, we are committed to increasing the share of renewable and recycled materials in our products. In FY24, 4.8% of the raw materials we used were recycled.?

The progress reflects our evolving capabilities and a steadfast focus on innovation, as our sights are firmly set on achieving a target of 40% renewable and recycled input materials by 2030. This journey involves integrating bio-based materials and enhancing the use of reclaimed rubber, which constituted 42% of all recycled content, recycled carbon black, and other materials.?

Not only do these efforts reduce our reliance on virgin materials, but they also address waste at its source, creating a more sustainable value chain.

Revolutionising Waste Management

The 6R framework guides our approach to waste management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replace, Redesign, and Reliability. Through these principles, we aim to minimise waste generation and responsibly handle materials that cannot be eliminated. For instance, non-returnable plastics are sold to authorised scrap dealers for recycling, while all returnable materials, such as empty boxes and bags, are sent back to vendors whenever feasible.

In FY24, we generated approximately 31,619.6 metric tonnes of waste across our operations. This included 1,636 metric tonnes of hazardous waste and 29,983.5 metric tonnes of non-hazardous waste. We ensured that 30,533.9 metric tonnes of this waste was recycled or reused, significantly reducing the amount sent to landfills.

Additionally, we comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for End-of-Life Tyres (ELT) in applicable regions, ensuring that the products we create are managed responsibly at the end of their lifecycle. By integrating these practices, we continue to reduce our environmental impact while contributing to the broader goals of a circular economy.

Conserving Water, Enriching Communities

Water conservation is another integral part of our sustainability ethos. Across our global facilities, Apollo Tyres has implemented cutting-edge water-saving initiatives. In FY24, these measures contributed to a 24.4% reduction in water withdrawal intensity compared to FY19 — a milestone that brings us closer to our goal of a 25% reduction by FY26.

At our Chennai plant, efforts such as enhanced rainwater harvesting and recovery of permeate water saved 38,701 kilolitres of water during the year. Similarly, our Limda facility achieved water savings by increasing the recovery rate of its reverse osmosis system to 80%. In Hungary, switching to nitrogen-based curing technology reduced water usage by 6,200 kilolitres.

In FY24, Apollo Tyres withdrew approximately 2 million kilolitres of water globally, with nearly 50% of the water in the Asia Pacific region recycled during the same period. This substantial recycling effort reflects our commitment to reducing freshwater dependency while maintaining operational efficiency.

Beyond operational efficiency, our focus on water management extends to community well-being. By reducing reliance on freshwater sources, we’re not only safeguarding the environment but also ensuring that surrounding communities have better access to clean water. The dual impact enforces the importance of sustainable water practices as a key driver of our ESG strategy.

Our journey towards a circular economy is ongoing, but every step reaffirms Apollo Tyres’ commitment to environmental stewardship. By innovating with materials, rethinking waste management, and prioritising water conservation, we are improving our sustainable practices in the tyre and manufacturing industry. As we continue to expand globally, our approach remains anchored in creating long-term value — not just for our stakeholders but for the planet.