Bridgestone Announces Initiation of Joint Research on the Prevention of White Root Disease in Para Rubber Tree

• Bridgestone has initiated research with Kyushu University and Indonesia's BRIN to contribute to the improvement of productivity at natural rubber plantations.
• This project is part of Bridgestone's Sustainability Business Model, aiming to enhance the sustainable use of natural rubber and contribute to nature positivity.
• Through this project, Bridgestone will fulfill the commitment of "Ecology: Committed to advancing sustainable tire technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations" described in the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment."

Tokyo (September 13, 2024) - Bridgestone Corporation announces today that it has joined a project conducted by the Fukuoka Bio Community^*1 and has commenced a collaborative research initiative with Kyushu University and National Research and Innovation Agency (Indonesian: Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, BRIN) of Indonesia. The goal of the research project is to develop prevention technology for White Root Disease (WRD) in Para rubber trees and to contribute to the improvement of productivity at natural rubber plantations.

Bridgestone places sustainability at the core of its management and business and aim to build a foundation for creating sustainability value. This project is part of an effort to implement its unique Sustainability Business Model that links our business to the realization of carbon neutrality, a circular economy, and nature positivity across the entire value chain, from　"produce and sell" and "use" of products to their "renewal" to raw materials. By reinforcing activities for the sustainable use of natural rubber, the project aims to contribute to nature positivity.

Natural rubber is a key raw material in tire manufacturing and is an essential renewable resource for producing high-quality tires. Also, it is a renewable resource that provides livelihood opportunities for millions of people around the world. It is said that more than 6 million people are involved in the cultivation of natural rubber. WRD, which affects rubber trees, a natural rubber resource, is a disease that causes tree death by infecting the roots with pathogenic fungi and causing tissue decay. Since the onset is difficult to detect and to discover, it poses a challenge to the sustainable and stable supply of natural rubber. By developing technology to prevent infection by the fungi causing the disease, the project aims to stabilize the yield of natural rubber and improve the stable productivity of natural rubber plantations.

Kyushu University and BRIN will select candidate microorganisms and substances that inhibit the proliferation of the pathogenic fungi in plants and soil, and Bridgestone will conduct tests of these infection prevention technologies at its own natural rubber plantation in Indonesia. The goal is to establish preventive technology by 2030, and in the future, to expand and support the operation of this technology and know-how for small farmers who are key contributors to natural rubber production, thereby promoting productivity improvements and enhancing the quality of life among small farmers and building a sustainable supply chain for the natural rubber industry.

Bridgestone will lead this project within the Fukuoka Bio Community, which is promoted in collaboration with Fukuoka Prefecture and Kurume City, where the company was founded. By promoting co-creation through industry-academia- local communities' collaboration, Bridgestone thereby strives to fulfill the corporate commitment of "Ecology: Committed to advancing sustainable tire technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations" described in "Bridgestone E8 Commitment."^*2

1. The Fukuoka Bio Community is one of the regional bio communities certified based on the "Bio Strategy" promoted by the Cabinet Office. With Kurume Research Park serving as its secretariat, Fukuoka Prefecture and Kurume City collaborate to create new industries and bio-ventures centered on biotechnology. The aim is to form a bio community comprised of biotechnology-related companies and research institutions.
2. The Bridgestone Group established its corporate commitment, the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment," to help it realize its vision: "Toward 2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social value and customer value as a sustainable solutions company." This commitment will serve as the Group's axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations. The "Bridgestone E8 Commitment" consists of eight uniquely Bridgestone values starting with the letter "E" (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that the Group will commit to creating through distinctly Bridgestone purposes and processes, together with employees, society, partners, and customers to help realize a sustainable society.

About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone is a global leader in tires and rubber building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company employs approximately 130,000 people globally and conducts business in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.