Apollo Tyres Earns EcoVadis Gold Rating for Sustainability Efforts

Apollo Tyres Ltd., a leading global tyre manufacturer based in India, has achieved a Gold Rating from EcoVadis, a globally recognized sustainability assessment platform, on June 2, 2025. This accolade places Apollo in the top 5% of companies evaluated worldwide across all industries, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and sustainable procurement. The recognition underscores Apollo’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations, aligning with global trends toward greener manufacturing and supply chains in the automotive sector.

Apollo Tyres, headquartered in Gurugram, India, has made significant strides in sustainability, as evidenced by its EcoVadis Gold Rating announced on June 2, 2025. The EcoVadis assessment evaluates companies based on 21 criteria across four key areas: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Apollo’s performance in these areas has positioned it among the top 5% of over 130,000 companies assessed globally, spanning more than 220 industries and 180 countries. This achievement highlights the company’s progress in reducing its environmental footprint and fostering responsible business practices.

The company’s sustainability efforts include a focus on eco-friendly tyre production, with innovations such as tyres made with 75% sustainable materials, incorporating recycled rubber, bio-based oils, and sustainable carbon black. Since 2023, Apollo has sourced 100% of its natural rubber for its European facilities in the Netherlands and Hungary from suppliers adhering to the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) guidelines, ensuring traceability and environmental responsibility. These initiatives align with Apollo’s global sustainability strategy, which targets 40% sustainable material usage in its tyres by 2030.

Apollo’s environmental initiatives extend beyond product innovation. The company has collaborated with research institutions to develop bio-based materials for tyre production, reducing reliance on fossil-based resources. Its ‘reduce’ initiative aims to achieve climate neutrality, with efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions across its manufacturing facilities in India, Europe, and beyond. Apollo’s European sites have secured International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standards, reinforcing its commitment to circular raw materials and sustainable supply chains. These efforts contribute to reducing tyre wear pollution, which studies indicate can produce significantly more pollutants than vehicle exhausts.

In addition to environmental progress, Apollo has prioritized labor practices and ethics. The company’s high scores in these areas reflect its adherence to international standards, such as the United Nations Global Compact and ISO 26000, which emphasize human rights, fair labor conditions, and ethical governance. Apollo’s sustainable procurement practices involve partnering with suppliers who share its commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility, ensuring sustainability across the value chain. The company’s ISO 20400 certification for sustainable procurement further validates its efforts in accountability and risk management.

The EcoVadis Gold Rating enhances Apollo’s reputation among global customers, including leading vehicle manufacturers with original equipment supply agreements. Many of these customers rely on EcoVadis assessments to evaluate supplier sustainability, making Apollo’s rating a competitive advantage in securing partnerships. The company’s focus on sustainable practices also aligns with India’s broader environmental goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, and supports the automotive industry’s shift toward greener technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs). Apollo’s development of EV-specific tyres, showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2024, demonstrates its alignment with market trends, as India aims for 30% EV penetration by 2030.

Despite its achievements, Apollo faces challenges in scaling sustainable practices globally. The high cost of transitioning to bio-based and recycled materials can impact profitability, particularly in price-sensitive markets like India. Additionally, the global tyre industry’s growth, driven by increasing automobile sales and ride-hailing services, places pressure on manufacturers to balance cost, performance, and sustainability. Regulatory complexities, such as compliance with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), require ongoing investment in reporting and verification systems. Apollo is addressing these challenges through continued research and development, with extensive testing of its sustainable tyres before commercialization.

The broader implications of Apollo’s Gold Rating extend to India’s role in the global automotive supply chain. As a key player in the Make in India initiative, Apollo’s sustainability efforts contribute to the country’s ambition to become a manufacturing hub for eco-friendly automotive components. The company’s focus on local production and sustainable sourcing reduces reliance on imported materials, supporting India’s economic self-reliance goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Furthermore, Apollo’s innovations in sustainable tyres could set a benchmark for the industry, encouraging competitors to adopt similar practices to meet rising consumer and regulatory demands for sustainability.

Apollo’s recognition comes amid a growing trend of companies achieving high EcoVadis ratings. For example, other firms like Berry Global and WuXi AppTec have also secured Gold ratings in 2024 and 2025, reflecting a global push toward sustainable supply chains. However, Apollo’s ranking in the top 5% across all industries, and its specific leadership in the tyre manufacturing sector, underscores its role as a pioneer in sustainable automotive solutions. The company’s ongoing investments in R&D and partnerships with sustainable suppliers position it to meet future challenges, including stricter environmental regulations and evolving market demands.

Conclusion

Apollo Tyres’ EcoVadis Gold Rating, achieved on June 2, 2025, reflects its leadership in sustainable tyre manufacturing, placing it among the top 5% of companies globally. Through innovations in eco-friendly materials, ethical practices, and sustainable procurement, Apollo is aligning with global and Indian sustainability goals. While challenges like cost and regulatory compliance persist, the company’s efforts strengthen its position in the automotive industry and contribute to India’s vision of a greener, self-reliant economy.

Source: Autocar Professional,