Air emissions and noise

Solvent emissions, i.e. volatile organic compounds (VOC) constitute the most significant emissions into the air from the operations of Nokian Tyres. Further emissions into the air include dust and odour, which are generated in rubber compound mixing and tyre curing.

Solvents are normally used in the rubber industry as adhesives. The EU has set European tyre manufacturers objectives for reducing solvent emissions. In accordance with this so-called VOC directive and the environmental permit, Nokian Tyres has so far been able to reduce the solvent emissions to the atmosphere by means of an incinerator and by replacing solvents with other agents. According to the VOC directive, emissions may total no more than 25% of the purchased solvents, which corresponds to 37.3 tonnes. In addition, the environmental permit sets a maximum emissions limit of 55 tonnes. The target values became effective in 2007.

 
Noise

The noise emanating from the plant to the surrounding areas is measured on a regular basis in accordance with the environmental permit. The next survey will be conducted in 2009. The environmental permit granted to Nokian Tyres states that the daytime noise level may not exceed 55 decibels; the night-time limit is 50 dB.