Former Ford environmental exec joins Tire International board

ERJ staff report (TB)

Moncks Corner, South Carolina -- Tyre recycling and rubber products maker Tire International Environmental Solutions Inc. has appointed Andrew G. Acho to the company's board of directors.

Acho recently retired from Ford Motor Co., where he held various positions for more than four decades, most recently as worldwide director of environmental outreach and strategy. He was responsible for what Tire International said were several innovative recycling and re-use programs including the promotion of recycled content in Ford vehicles, environmentally responsible management of facility waste streams, and the recycling of more than 8 million Firestone Wilderness AT tyres that Ford replaced on its Explorer sport-utility vehicles between 2002 and 2005.

According to Tire International, the Firestone tyre recycling program conducted at more than 4,600 Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealerships allowed for the recycling of over 150 million pounds of rubber that was used in recycled rubber molded products, athletic fields, playgrounds, therapeutic riding arenas, landscaping products and in road construction.

None of the tyres were landfilled or burned, the company said, adding that many of the recent innovations in the tyre recycling industry were a result of this program, and most of the independent car dealerships have continued to recycle their scrap tyres.

Acho headed Ford's global Conservation and Environmental Grants program in more than 40 countries, recognizing organizations and individuals making significant and exemplary contributions to protect and preserve the environment in their regions, Tyre International said. In 2001, he was one of the first people to be honored nationally with the Wildlife Habitat Council's (WHC) President's Award for his outstanding commitment to preserve and protect the environment for future generations, and for his global vision of environmental and economic sustainability. Acho was subsequently appointed to the WHC board. In 1996 he was appointed chairman of the Great Lakes Recycle Board, which comprised eight Midwest governors.

Tire International CFO and Director Marty Sergi called Acho “a nationally recognized leader in advancing economically viable recycling applications,” and said his “expertise in our industry as well as his vast personal networks among environmental and economic leadership bring significant depth to our board.”

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Tire International