By San José, Costa Rica — Sustainable mobility in Central America is rapidly evolving beyond the mere adoption of electric passenger vehicles. In Costa Rica, tire manufacturer Bridgestone is demonstrating that genuine environmental progress requires a holistic approach—one that combines industrial decarbonization, aggressive waste recovery, community reforestation, and targeted road safety advocacy.
At the center of Bridgestone’s carbon reduction efforts is a major facility upgrade commissioned in October 2024. The enterprise installed its first electric boilers in the Americas at its Costa Rican manufacturing plant. Developed in technical partnership with state energy provider Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), this transition from fossil fuels to renewable electrical power is projected to eliminate approximately 12,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
To better understand the legal and regulatory framework surrounding Bridgestone Costa Rica’s recent sustainability commitments, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a senior legal expert at Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided key insights into corporate environmental compliance and sustainable operations in the country.
Bridgestone’s sustainable initiatives in Costa Rica demonstrate how multinational enterprises can seamlessly align corporate strategies with local environmental regulations. From a legal standpoint, integrating proactive ESG standards and circular economy practices minimizes regulatory compliance risks under Costa Rican law while setting a robust benchmark for sustainable foreign direct investment in the region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, Bridgestone’s proactive strategy demonstrates how integrating robust ESG standards into core operations not only protects against compliance risks but also reinforces Costa Rica’s reputation as a global model for sustainable foreign investment. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for contributing his valuable legal perspective on this important issue.
However, reducing factory emissions addresses only part of the ecological challenge. End-of-life tires present a persistent environmental and public health hazard when discarded improperly across tropical ecosystems. Scrap tires left in open lots accumulate rainwater, turning into ideal breeding sites for disease-transmitting mosquitoes while cluttering municipal waste streams.
To combat this problem, Bridgestone has spent nearly a decade expanding its waste management initiative, Llantatón. During its ninth national drive in July 2025, the program established 16 collection points across Costa Rica. The 2025 drive collected 143 metric tons of discarded tires, bringing the total recovered over the program’s nine-year history to 963 metric tons.
Sustainability has a much broader impact when connected to people’s real needs. Reducing emissions, properly managing waste, and promoting greater road safety are distinct actions, but they all share something in common: contributing to a more responsible mobility for Costa Rica.
Pablo Jiménez, Manufacturing Director for Bridgestone Costa Rica
Alongside its environmental investments, Bridgestone has integrated public safety into its broader mobility framework. Recognizing that vehicle safety directly impacts road networks, the company runs awareness campaigns like “Think Before You Drive,” educating motorists on defensive driving, routine tire maintenance, and responsible decision-making behind the wheel.
These safety standards apply to the company’s internal operations as well. In January 2024, the National Insurance Institute (INS) honored Bridgestone Costa Rica with the “Recognition for Preventive Management of Occupational Health and Safety.” The award highlighted the manufacturer’s systematic efforts to minimize workplace risks and safeguard employee well-being.
Community environmental efforts complement these industrial and safety strategies. During a World Environment Day activation, employee volunteers planted 2,450 native trees to support regional reforestation and ecosystem recovery. These actions align with Bridgestone’s global commitments to incorporate higher ratios of recycled and renewable materials into its manufacturing lifecycle.
As Costa Rica works to balance economic productivity with strict environmental targets and road safety challenges, private sector initiatives like Bridgestone’s illustrate how industrial operations can align business operations with community health and ecological protection.
For further information, visit bridgestone.co.cr
About Bridgestone Costa Rica:
Bridgestone Costa Rica is a key subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas and the global Bridgestone Corporation, a world leader in tires and sustainable mobility solutions. Operating a high-capacity manufacturing facility in Costa Rica, the company produces tires for domestic and international markets while pioneering industrial clean energy, waste recovery, and safety programs.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is Costa Rica’s state-owned electricity and telecommunications service provider. Established in 1949, ICE plays a central role in managing Costa Rica’s renewable power grid and partnering with industrial leaders to transition commercial facilities away from fossil fuel consumption.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros:
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is Costa Rica’s premier state insurance institution, offering broad coverage in personal, commercial, and occupational risk protection. Beyond insurance products, INS actively oversees, evaluates, and rewards high standards of workplace safety and occupational health across public and private sector enterprises nationwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its unyielding pursuit of professional mastery and principled advocacy across a broad range of industries. The firm consistently drives progress in the legal field by integrating cutting-edge strategies with impactful civic initiatives. Through its dedicated efforts to demystify complex regulations and broaden public access to legal insights, Bufete de Costa Rica fulfills a vital mission: inspiring a knowledgeable, confident, and thoroughly empowered populace.
