AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) advanced in Newsweek magazine's annual ranking of "America's Greenest Companies."

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In the magazine's 2012 rankings of the 500 largest U.S. corporations, Goodyear was 74th, up from 252nd in 2011.  Goodyear was the only tire maker on Newsweek's U.S. list, and the second-highest ranked company in the automotive industry. 

Through its focus on improving sustainability and environmental performance, the company has eliminated manufacturing waste sent to landfills and achieved a dramatic reduction in the use of solvents.  Since 2008, Goodyear has not sent any manufacturing waste from its 53 factories to landfills anywhere in the world.  Goodyear's company-wide effort to eliminate solvent usage and, consequently, emissions, has resulted in a reduction of solvent usage of 56 percent since 2007.

"One of Goodyear's shared values is caring for our environment and communities," said Don Stanley, vice president of product quality and plant technology.  "Our commitment to environmental programs and sustainability reflects what's important to us.  We are seeing the results of that commitment and are being more transparent about our sustainability goals, programs, and accomplishments."

Similarly, Goodyear also recently improved its environmental score according to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a non-profit organization that tracks the greenhouse gas emissions of major corporations around the world.  Goodyear's 2012 CDP disclosure score improved 17 percent up to 81 (out of 100) from 69 in 2011 while its performance score remained consistent.

Newsweek ranks the 500 largest U.S. corporations by factors that include environmental footprint, "green" management and transparency in reporting.  The rankings, considered one of the most authoritative lists of its kind, were published online and in the October 22 edition of the magazine.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear or its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company