Every year, Pirelli recognizes the contribution of its top suppliers with sustainability, continuous innovation, quality of raw materials, impeccable service and competitiveness front and center at Pirelli Supplier Day.
The 2023 event took place at the company headquarters in Milan, Italy, in the presence of Executive Vice Chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera and CEO Andrea Casaluci. A selection of large, medium and small companies from 18 countries were involved, more than 70 of which are considered “strategic suppliers” attended the event, representing approximately 40% of the Group’s annual global purchases. The five that stood out during the year were given awards by Pirelli’s Chief Procurement Officer Andrea Maganzani.
Marco Tronchetti Provera commented, “Our company always sets itself ambitious goals that would not be possible without the support of those who work alongside us. Sharing our company values and targets with the entire supply chain allows us to constantly improve, particularly when it comes to sustainability and innovation, which are key, strategic elements that underpin our global leadership in the high value segment and sustainability indices.”
The 2023 Supplier Day was also an opportunity to highlight Pirelli’s Open Innovation approach, which involves suppliers, universities and innovation hubs who continuously pioneer the development of new products with an increasing emphasis on new bio-based and recycled materials as well as innovative nano polymers.
A particular spotlight was shone on the excellence and commitment of the entire supply chain that helps Pirelli achieve its stated targets. Sustainability was at the forefront, for example, in the company’s 2025 target for carbon neutrality and the reduction of fossil-based materials, thanks to innovation and research into renewable or recycled sources. Collaboration from the supply chain was instrumental in launching the P Zero E tire this year, containing more than 55% natural and recycled materials, as validated by Bureau Veritas. Back in 2021, Pirelli already launched the very first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified tire in the world, for which total traceability of raw materials of forest origin is ensured throughout the entire supply chain. This guarantees that the plantations from which natural components come are managed in such a way that preserves biological diversity and brings benefits to the lives of local communities and workers, boosting their economic sustainability.
The ceremony was also attended by renowned yachtsman Ambrogio Beccaria, who recently won the Transat Jacques Vabre — an Atlantic Ocean race of more than 5,000 miles along the “coffee route” between France and Martinique — with his Class 40 “Alla Grande Pirelli” yacht. This boat is a testament to the value of teamwork, thanks to the skipper’s push for innovation and the unstinting efforts made by the shipyard that built it.
These are the companies that were recognised in the 2023 Pirelli Supplier Awards:
- Sustainability: HIMILE Mechanical Science and Technology (Shandong) Co. LTD, supplier of vulcanization moulds
- Quality: Quechen Silicon Chemical Co., Ltd, silica supplier
- Innovation: VI-grade GmbH, virtual simulator supplier
- Performance: ABRASIVI & ADESIVI, supplier of adhesive bands
- Excellence Award: Indorama Ventures Mobility Cremona S.p.A, supplier of reinforced textiles.
