Sustainable future rooted in innovation: Michelin

Navigating the challenges of climate change and economic growth, Michelin upholds a commitment to balance people, profit, and planet. This principle drives every aspect of its operations, from R&D and corporate culture to community engagement, through tailored, measurable programs.

When it comes to people, Michelin is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace. With a presence in 175 countries, 129,800 employees, and 121 production facilities, the company ensures fair treatment through its global "Living Wage" policy, guaranteeing a decent minimum wage for all employees. Its "One Care" initiative provides support for staff facing personal challenges, while the "Lifelong Learning" program allocates 5 million training hours annually to upskill workers. Michelin also co-founded "Hall 32" to train future industry technicians, reinforcing its commitment to continuous learning.

Michelin emphasizes training through its "Lifelong Learning" program. Photo courtesy of Michelin

For the planet, Michelin is working toward its 2030 sustainability targets: 40% of tire materials from recycled or renewable sources, 100% sustainably sourced natural rubber, and a 47% reduction in CO2 emissions (from operations) compared to 2019 levels.

In Southeast Asia, the company has eliminated plastic packaging for motorcycle tires, saving 300 tons of plastic annually. In Vietnam, shifting freight from road to sea has cut transport emissions by more than 50%, while the use of biomass boilers and solar energy at its Binh Duong factory reduces CO2 emissions by an additional 3,700 tons each year.

"No development project can be imagined without considering all its economic, social, and environmental impacts. Similarly, no single player can meet the collective challenges facing the world," said Florent Menegaux, Chairman of Michelin Group.

Michelin's "All Sustainable" approach reflects this belief, emphasizing collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared progress for society.

Smarter and more sustainable

Open innovation is deeply embedded in Michelin's culture, driving both progress and long-term growth. The company collaborates closely with universities, research institutes, and businesses, such as Factolab in France, which focuses on the "industry of the future" and participates in recycling alliances like BlackCycle and WhiteCycle.

Michelin also harnesses artificial intelligence to develop robotic solutions for handling flexible composites and has partnered with Microsoft and other global leaders to accelerate AI adoption in production. Beyond land-based mobility, Michelin extends its sustainability efforts to the seas.

WISAMO is a unique wind-powered propulsion system for ships. Photo courtesy of Michelin

Maritime transport contributes roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and faces increasing pressure to decarbonize in line with the IMO's 2050 Net Zero target. In response, Michelin's WISAMO (Wing Sail Mobility) project offers a breakthrough in sustainable shipping.

Tests indicate that WISAMO can cut CO2 emissions by up to 20% on existing vessels and over 50% on new builds. Developed by Michelin's R&D teams in Switzerland, the inflatable wing sail operates efficiently even against the wind and can retract fully for safe navigation. The system's 170 sq.m version can be adapted for fishing boats, research ships, patrol vessels, or yachts, while an expanded 800 sq.m model is under development for launch by 2026, highlighting Michelin's goal to help maritime transport "move cleaner, further, and smarter."

Operating officially in Vietnam since 2009, Michelin has contributed to the country's growing mobility sector with innovative, sustainable solutions. Today, through its nationwide distribution and retail network, including the Michelin Car Service chain, which celebrated its 100th store in August 2025, the company continues to deliver mobility innovations that enable a better, more sustainable life in motion.

See more about the company here.