Tokyo, June 8, 2025: Bridgestone Corporation has announced its continued support for the upcoming 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) by providing teams with ENLITEN™ technology tires made using new recycled materials. These tires incorporate over 65% recycled and renewable content, marking the first application of materials developed through partnerships aimed at advancing recycling technology.
The BWSC, scheduled from August 24 to 31, is a biennial solar-powered vehicle event where participants traverse approximately 3,000 kilometers across Australia. Bridgestone will supply tires to 33 teams from 17 regions across the Challenger, Cruiser, and Explorer classes. 
For the 2025 event, Bridgestone has introduced key sustainability initiatives, including the use of recovered carbon black and recycled steel in tire manufacturing. The recovered carbon black was developed at Bridgestone’s test unit in Kodaira City in collaboration with ENEOS Corporation. The recycled steel, used in bead wire reinforcement, comes from end-of-life tires and is processed in partnership with Nippon Steel Corporation and Sanyo Special Steel Co., Ltd.
"Our ENLITEN tires for the 2025 BWSC represent a major milestone in our journey toward a circular economy," said Naotaka Horio, Director, Bridgestone Motorsports. "We are proud to have applied innovative recycled materials developed with our partners and to support 33 teams racing for the future of mobility."
The ENLITEN tires also feature Twaron®, a circular-content aramid material by Teijin Aramid, and are designed for low rolling resistance, high durability, lightweight, and puncture resistance—key for optimal performance in the challenging BWSC environment.
Tire logistics for the event are also part of Bridgestone’s sustainability efforts. Partnering with DHL’s GoGreen Plus solution, tires will be shipped using sustainable maritime fuel, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 85% throughout the entire fuel lifecycle.
"The BWSC is not only a race, but also a mobile laboratory for testing advanced technologies in real-world conditions," said Horio. "By challenging ourselves alongside student teams, we are accelerating innovation in sustainable mobility."
Bridgestone’s involvement reflects its broader E8 Commitment, which focuses on Energy, Ecology, and Emotion—principles that guide the company’s efforts toward carbon neutrality and sustainable innovation in mobility.
2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge – At a Glance:
- Date: August 24–31, 2025
- Location: Australia (Start: Darwin, Finish: Adelaide)
- Host: South Australian Motorsport Board (SAMSB)
Supported Teams:
- Challenger Class: 25 out of 29 teams
- Cruiser Class: All 8 teams
- Explorer Class: Various teams outside the main competition criteria
Bridgestone has served as the title sponsor of BWSC since 2013.
