The DisruptED World of Advanced Manufacturing at Bridgestone-Firestone (Ep. 2 with Cara Krstolic)

Sustainability has become a defining challenge for industries worldwide, and manufacturing is no exception. As businesses reckon with carbon emissions and waste, the race to develop eco-friendly production methods is on. Tire industry giant Bridgestone-Firestone is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging innovation to reduce its environmental footprint. After all, the year 2023 was the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgency of innovation. But how can a century-old industry balance tradition with the need for sustainability without sacrificing performance?

In the second episode of this two-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J. Stefanski continues his conversation with Cara Krstolic, the Executive Director of Race Tire Engineering and Production and Chief Engineer of Motorsports at Bridgestone Americas. Krstolic shares how Bridgestone-Firestone is pioneering sustainable solutions in high-performance motorsports, using racing as a proving ground for greener tire technology.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

• Sustainability in Motorsports: Bridgestone is developing tires using alternative rubber sources like Waiuli and palm oil by-products, proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.
• Circular Manufacturing: The company is working toward a future where old race tires can be broken down and repurposed into new ones, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.
• Reshoring Manufacturing: Bridgestone has opened the first new tire production facility in Ohio since World War II, revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and reinforcing the Midwest’s status as a hub of industrial innovation.

Cara Krstolic is a prominent leader in motorsports engineering, spearheading race tire development at Bridgestone Americas. With a strong background in polymer science and materials engineering, she has been instrumental in advancing sustainability initiatives within the company. A passionate advocate for STEM education and women in engineering, Krstolic is shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing in high-performance racing. Her expertise in tire dynamics, vehicle instrumentation, and sustainability positions her at the forefront of innovation in racing tire technology.