Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it will supply its ENLITEN technology tyres to 33 teams participating in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC). Scheduled for August 2025, the BWSC is a rigorous 3,000-kilometre solar-powered race across Australia, testing innovation under some of the most demanding conditions in motorsport. These tyres represent the first application of Bridgestone’s newly developed recycled materials, marking a major step in reducing the automotive industry's reliance on virgin resources.
For the 2025 edition, Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tyres will incorporate over 65 percent recycled and renewable materials, including recovered carbon black and recycled steel. These materials have been developed through joint efforts with key partners such as ENEOS, Nippon Steel, and Sanyo Special Steel. Recovered carbon black is extracted from end-of-life tyres using precise pyrolysis, while the recycled steel, processed in electric furnaces, is repurposed into bead wire for tyre reinforcement. This co-creation approach aims to close the loop on tyre materials and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.
The BWSC has served as a mobile laboratory for Bridgestone’s research and development. These tyres are designed not only to be sustainable but also to meet the unique requirements of solar race cars, offering low rolling resistance, light weight, and strong durability. In collaboration with Teijin Aramid, the tyres also feature circular-content aramid materials, further enhancing their environmental credentials without compromising on safety or performance.
The challenge includes three vehicle classes: Challenger, Cruiser, and Explorer. Bridgestone will support 25 of the 29 teams in the Challenger Class, all eight in the Cruiser Class, and select entries in the Explorer Class. This extensive involvement reflects the company’s dedication not only to product innovation but also to the development of next-generation engineers and sustainable practices in motorsport.
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