- link Copy URL - [ Share on X ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Bridgestone Leverages Big Data to Implement Optimal Plantation for Higher Yield in Para Rubber Tree Farms https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/312721?absolute=1&via=3blnews "Share on X") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/312721?absolute=1 "Share on Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/312721?absolute=1 "Share on Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=Bridgestone Leverages Big Data to Implement Optimal Plantation for Higher Yield in Para Rubber Tree Farms&body=ESG News from Bridgestone Americas https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/312721?absolute=1 "Share via email") [AI & Technology](/categories/ai-technology) # Bridgestone Leverages Big Data to Implement Optimal Plantation for Higher Yield in Para Rubber Tree Farms Jan 12, 2021 3:50 PM ET ![](/s3/files/styles/carousel_2x/s3/2026-08/Screen_Shot_2021-01-12_at_3.39.25_PM_1786731805.png "Image of proliferation technology") Image of proliferation technology TOKYO, January 12, 2021 /3BL Media/ — Bridgestone Corporation announced that it has developed an optimization system for Para rubber tree plantation that utilizes big data to contribute to higher yield at rubber farms. Rubber farms deploy different clones of trees across vast areas and face various management issues, such as how to optimize the number of trees in a planting area and harvest procedures. The newly developed system seeks an optimal tree planting plan over more than 30 years, which improves and stabilizes the plantation yield. This enhanced system contributes to the sustainable\*1 and stable supply of natural rubber. Through the academic advice from the Institute of Statistical Mathematics at Research Organization of Information and Systems in Japan, the system employs a mathematical model that incorporates a multitude of factors, including soil health, disease management, and clone potential, among candidates. The final model is specified based on the rubber farm management expertise of Bridgestone. To achieve the company’s vision, “2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social value and customer value, as a sustainable solutions company”, Bridgestone have set a new environmental mid-term goal, Milestone 2030, to further promote the challenges of "decoupling" the growth of its business from its environmental impact and increased resource consumption. The company provides solutions through innovation to contribute to safer and more secure transportation, as well as it will further reduce its impact on the environment by contributing to CO2 reduction and realizing the circular economy including expanding renewable resources. Bridgestone will continue to evolve technological innovations by combining our unique rubber knowledge with digital technologies and will co-create value through the work with various partners. **Background on Leveraging Big Data to Implement Optimal Plantation for Higher Yield in Para Rubber Tree Farms** Utilizing this model in conjunction with yield projections derived from rubber tree farm data, including time series yield data and spatial farm data, the system uses a mixed-integer programming approach to derive an optimal solution on which clones of trees should be planted when, where, and in what quantity in order to maintain high natural rubber productivity. Going forward, Bridgestone will further customize the system before offering it for use at other farms with the aim of contributing to a sustainable and stable global supply of natural rubber. In 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9.6 billion while the number of automobiles owned will exceed 2.4 billion. Accordingly, the amount of materials needed for tire production is expected to increase. Meanwhile, there is a push to decouple economic growth from environmental impacts, as indicated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The natural rubber currently used to produce tires is extracted for the Para rubber tree, which primarily grows in Southeast Asia. Issues associated with this tree include risks of disease and the depletion of tropical rainforests attributable to the expansion of the areas of land on which Para rubber trees are grown. Bridgestone is working to address these issues by diversifying and expanding its sources of natural rubber. One such initiative is the research and development pertaining to improving efficiency in the production of Para rubber tree-derived natural rubber. In addition, the Company is advancing initiatives for supporting sustainable business activities with technologies that contribute to the stable supply of natural rubber. Through these efforts, we aim to utilize these technologies to achieve business sustainability while reducing environmental impacts on into the future. > *\*1. The Bridgestone Group defines sustainable materials as materials “1) that come from resources with a guaranteed continual supply, 2) that can be used as part of our businesses over the long term and 3) that have a low environmental and social impact over their lifecycle from procurement to disposal.”* **About Bridgestone Corporation** Headquartered in Tokyo, Bridgestone Corporation is a global leader providing sustainable mobility and advanced solutions. With a business presence in more than 150 countries worldwide, Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of original equipment and replacement tires, tire-centric solutions, mobility solutions, and other rubber-associated and diversified products that deliver social and customer value. Guided by its global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve, Bridgestone is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future of mobility and improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play. ### Additional Media #### Images [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/Screen_Shot_2021-01-12_at_3.39.25_PM.png?h=529dbb0e) Image of proliferation technology ](/sites/default/files/images/Screen_Shot_2021-01-12_at_3.39.25_PM.png "Image of proliferation technology") [![](/sites/default/files/Clients/BridgestoneLogo_TypeA_-_Copy.jpg)](/profiles/bridgestone-americas) ### More from Bridgestone Americas ###### [Bridgestone Americas Announces $100 Vaccine Support Payment for U.S. Employees](/news/bridgestone-americas-announces-100-vaccine-support-payment-us-employees) Mar 11, 2021 12:35 PM ET ###### [Bridgestone Joins The Valuable 500 Movement to Promote Inclusion and Opportunity for People with Disabilities](/news/bridgestone-joins-valuable-500-movement-promote-inclusion-and-opportunity-people-disabilities) Mar 10, 2021 11:20 AM ET ###### [Bridgestone Americas Underscores Commitment to Sustainability with New $1.1 Billion Credit Facility](/news/bridgestone-americas-underscores-commitment-sustainability-new-11-billion-credit-facility) Feb 5, 2021 11:05 AM ET ###### [Bridgestone Develops New Technology for Improving Guayule-Derived Natural Rubber Productivity through Joint Development with Kirin Holdings](/news/bridgestone-develops-new-technology-improving-guayule-derived-natural-rubber-productivity) Jan 28, 2021 4:15 PM ET ###### [Bridgestone Collaboration with NRGene Achieves New Milestones in the Assembly of Multiple Guayule Genomes](/news/bridgestone-collaboration-nrgene-achieves-new-milestones-assembly-multiple-guayule-genomes) Jan 20, 2021 11:40 AM ET ###### [Bridgestone Donates $500,000 to Support Transportation Needs for Boys & Girls Clubs](/news/bridgestone-donates-500000-support-transportation-needs-boys-girls-clubs) Dec 8, 2020 11:45 AM ET ###### [Bridgestone Unveils A Layered Journey Sustainability Campaign](/news/bridgestone-unveils-layered-journey-sustainability-campaign) Oct 15, 2020 9:00 AM ET ###### [Bridgestone Extends Support for Adaptive Athletes and Inclusive Sports Programs Through Three New Partnerships](/news/bridgestone-extends-support-adaptive-athletes-and-inclusive-sports-programs-through-three-new) Sep 8, 2020 12:00 PM ET