Budapest, Hungary, 25. October 2023 – Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook has attained the prestigious ISCC PLUS certification (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) for its European production plant in Rácalmás (Hungary). This extraordinary achievement is testament to the company’s unyielding commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The tyre manufacturer plans to further intensify its activities in the area of long-term carbon neutrality and resource conservation by using sustainable raw materials, for example, in the iON tyre family designed for electric vehicles.
The ISCC PLUS certification, granted under the European Renewable Energy Directives (EU RED), recognises the Hankook plant in Rácalmás for its outstanding efforts in fostering eco-friendly practices. One of the key highlights of this accomplishment is to support the company’s successful transition from petroleum-based oil to natural oil, from petrochemical-based synthetic rubber to bio-based, circular or bio-circular polymers, from petrochemical-based PET textile cord to recycled PET textile cord, from mineral silica fillers to bio-based silica fillers based on the transparent and traceable certification system. This development underlines Hankook’s commitment to sustainability and also represents a breakthrough for the entire tyre industry.
The ISCC PLUS certification evaluates a company’s sustainability across the entire spectrum – from raw materials used and manufacturing processes to the finished products. Affiliated with 130 sustainable raw material manufacturers, NGOs and research institutes worldwide, ISCC is renowned for its stringent certification procedures and transparent screening standards.
Further recognition of Hankook’s relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability
This is not the first time Hankook has been acknowledged for its efforts in sustainability. The plant in Geumsan (Korea) made history in 2021 when it became the world’s first tyre manufacturer to obtain ISCC PLUS certification, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in responsible and sustainable tyre manufacturing. The ISCC PLUS certification for the European Hankook plant in Rácalmás attests to the company’s continued success on the road to an increasingly greener future.
“This achievement is testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability,” said Hyung Yun Kim, Managing Director of Hankook’s plant in Hungary. “We believe that the ISCC PLUS certification is not only a validation of our efforts but also a strong message to the industry that responsible and eco-conscious manufacturing is not only already possible, but also necessary for a successful future.”
The rigorous certification process involved a comprehensive review of Hankook’s operations, from sourcing certified raw materials to applying appropriate manufacturing procedures. This achievement serves as an annual reaffirmation of Hankook’s dedication to upholding environmentally friendly practices.
Hankook’s ISCC PLUS certification is a significant milestone that reflects the company’s dedication to a greener future and its leading role in shaping the tyre industry's sustainable transformation.
