Enso, a UK-headquartered tyre technology firm focused on sustainable solutions for EVs, has partnered with the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank to build the country’s first carbon-neutral tyre factory. Supported by Rockwell, Arup, 8090 Industries, and Galway Sustainable Capital, the US$500 million plant will utilise carbon-neutral materials and 100% renewable energy, without relying on offsets.
The facility’s first phase, set for 2027, will produce five million EV tyres annually and create 600 jobs. Full capacity is projected at 20 million tyres per year, accounting for 8% of the US market and providing 2,400 jobs. Integrated R&D and production aim to accelerate innovation.
CEO Gunnlaugur Erlendsson highlighted strong regulatory support and a robust market as key factors for selecting the US., noting the move will boost local production, cut pollution, and create jobs.
Consumer demand for sustainable, locally-made tyres is high, with nearly half of US buyers favouring products that are US-made, reduce emissions, and use less toxic materials. Enso’s EV tires already improve vehicle range by 10% and reduce particulate emissions by 35%, addressing a significant source of microplastic pollution. A finalist for The Earthshot Prize, Enso plans to eliminate fossil-based raw materials by 2030.