Reducing our emissions and improving energy efficiency

We reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with our science-based targets that have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. We calculate our tire production’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from raw material purchasing to the disposal of the product in compliance with the ISO 14064 standard and GHG protocol. We generate part of the energy needed in our own power stations, excluding the factory in Finland. Therefore, the Finnish factory’s direct GHG emissions are lower than those of the factory in the US.

1: Includes the tire factories in Finland and in the US.
2: 2030 target used in calculation.

Get to know our guidelines for GHG emissions base year adjustments

Solvents, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are among Nokian Tyres’ most significant air emissions. Since VOC regulations are country-specific, the calculation and reporting of VOC emissions vary by location.

In Finland, VOC emissions are calculated according to the EU’s VOC directive, which is based on the used solvents. Nokian Tyres’ ongoing air pollution target is to reduce VOC emissions to less than 60 percent of the solvents used at its Finnish tire factory. The target is mandatory, as the Finnish factory’s environmental permit limits the total solvent emissions to 60 percent of the solvents used. VOCs come from heavy tire assembly at the Finnish factory, and they are collected and processed at a catalytic incineration plant. However, capturing all solvent emissions from heavy tire production remains challenging because the sources cannot be completely sealed to ensure full collection and incineration. In 2024, the amount of VOC emissions was approximately 40.6 tons (72% of the solvents used) in the tire factory in Finland. Thus, the VOC-related target was not achieved as the VOC emissions were not within environmental permit limits.

In the US, VOC emissions are calculated, in accordance with local legislation and the State-issued minor source air permit, using established emission factors based on the quantity of raw materials processed. There is no specific facility-wide VOC limit; rather, limits are set for individual processes within the facility. In 2024, Nokian Tyres discovered that all VOCs were not accounted for in the established emission factors and self-reported this error to authorities. After recalculations with the new calculation method, the total VOC emissions in 2024 were 34.7 tons, exceeding the air permit limit. The recalculations also showed that the air permit limit had been exceeded since 2021. In December, Nokian Tyres was issued a technical Notice of Violation for the unaccounted VOC emissions. The company has been cooperating with the local authorities to update the calculation methods and applied for an updated minor source air permit of the US factory.

Particle emissions are caused by the processing of powdery chemicals in our compound mixing department. The mixing equipment is fitted with effective ventilation and dustcollection devices, and the best separation rates achieved by water cleaners exceed 99 percent. We measure particle emissions with particle concentration and differential pressure gauges. In addition, outside experts carry out regular concentration measurements.

The measured particle concentrations have complied with the permit limits at both of our factories. The dust that passes through the filter system mainly causes an aesthetic inconvenience and poses no harm to the environment or health.

For particle emissions from the Finnish factory, the target is a maximum of 5 mg/m3 after filters and droplet separators. At the US factory, the goal is to operate within the limits set by air permits. Both targets were achieved.

An independent company measures the nitrogen and sulfur emissions from our own energy production plants. Our nitrogen and sulfur emissions are below the set emission limits.

You can see our NOx and SOx emissions in our Sustainability Statement.

According to surveys that we have commissioned, odor emissions are momentary. The mastication process for softening natural rubber causes discharges of compounds during the precipitation and dehydration phases of rubber milk that results in an unpleasant odor in the near surroundings. We use droplet separators for reducing the odors from mastication. We have also managed to lower the number of separate mastication processes, thereby reducing the related odors.

Our factories have introduced new odor control equipment that represents the best available technology (BAT). We have also managed to lower the number of separate mastication processes, thereby reducing the related odors.

Some odors are generated during the tire curing process. The quantity of the curing fumes released in the process is directly proportional to the amount of cured rubber. The concentrations of individual substances in the fumes are very small.

Our production facilities have noise limits subject to their environmental permits. We regularly track and measure noise emissions. According to the measurements, we are below the noise limits.