A key initiative of Bridgestone’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is based in the heart of Arizona – the cultivation of guayule, a drought resistant, desert shrub that provides a source of natural rubber. Guayule gives Bridgestone the opportunity to reduce the risk of relying on a single source of natural rubber and localize production of the key material in the U.S. The company invested $100 million in development at a farm in Eloy, and a research center in Mesa. Guayule will be the first commercially viable, domestic source of natural rubber. Today almost all natural rubber comes exclusively from Southeast Asia, and production is threatened by global political strife and supply chain issues. Guayule uses much less water than existing crops grown in Arizona, providing a viable alternative for local Arizonian farmers and Native American tribes who are facing a prolonged drought in Arizona’s harsh desert climate. Bridgestone is using INDYCAR racing as a proving ground for guayule, and the guayule-derived tires have met the same demanding street course race specifications as alternate tires with traditional rubber.