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Hankook receives International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, the first among tyre manufacturers

Tyre maker Hankook continues to focus on improving sustainability across all value chains, from raw materials sourcing to finished products. The ISCC PLUS certification recognises Hankook’s commitment, particularly for adopting natural oil and renewable biochemical materials. The new eco-friendly Kinergy 4S series proves Hankook’s research and development efforts to improve performance using renewable raw materials.
Hankook receives International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, the first among tyre manufacturers

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 1st December 2021 – Global leading tyre maker Hankook has become the first in the tyre manufacturing industry to obtain the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS mark in recognition of the company’s sustainability initiatives throughout its entire value chain from sourcing of renewable raw materials to sustainable finished products.

Hankook’s achievement with ISCC PLUS is particularly notable due to the attributes for which the certification is awarded. ISCC PLUS is an international sustainability certification program for bio-based and circular (recycled) raw materials under the European Renewable Energy Directives (EU RED) that evaluates a company’s sustainability from its raw materials, manufacturing process, and to finished products. The ISCC is affiliated with 130 sustainable raw material manufacturers, NGOs, and research institutes around the globe, and is ultimately seen as the most reliable institution in the field of environment-friendly certification. This is due to the transparent screening standards and the most stringent certification procedures that are implemented by the organisation.

Hankook’s Geumsan plant received the ISCC PLUS certification through its efforts of replacing petroleum-based oil with natural oil, as well as adopting renewable bio-based polymers from the petrochemical-based synthetic rubber. This certification emphasises that in the case of natural oil, it is particularly important to obtain individual certification for each of the processes that range from the sourcing of natural raw materials, refining, and production to become eligible for the certification. Biopolymers, unlike the process of making conventional chemical products, uses less petroleum and is compensated with recycled oil from various purposes, such as used cooking oil.

The environmentally friendly Kinergy 4S 2 all-weather tyres for passenger cars and Kinergy 4S 2X for SUVs

are manufactured with raw materials produced by Hankook, among others. Both tyres demonstrate improved performance compared to their predecessors by bringing out the best of the material’s unique properties. Rubber made with natural oil maintains its properties at low temperatures, improving driving performance in snow conditions. 

These exceptional features were highlighted when Hankook was named manufacturer of the year in the 2021 Auto Bild Magazine’s all-season tyre category. This is in line with the Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 all-season passenger car tyre which was named as the test winner in Auto Bild Allrad's major tyre test.

“We are honoured to receive this high recognition from ISCC for our ongoing commitment to be the gold standard in sustainability,” said Sooil Lee, President and CEO of Hankook Tire & Technology, “This certification demonstrates our meticulous focus to continue improving every facet of our business for the benefit of our planet, our communities, and our lives.”

Hankook Tire manufactures globally innovative, award-winning radial tyres of proven superior quality for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, RVs, trucks, and buses as well as motorsports (circuit racing/street circuits/rallies).

Aspiring to bring consumers the utmost excellence in product quality, technological excellence and driving satisfaction, Hankook Tire continuously invests in research and development maintaining five R&D centres and eight production facilities around the world. Bespoke tyre solutions for the European markets as well as European Original Equipment according to the requirements of leading premium car manufacturers, are developed in the company’s regional Technical Centre in Hanover/Germany. Production for the European region is taking place in the state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Rácalmás/Hungary which was inaugurated in June 2007 and is continuously being expanded.

Hankook Tire’s European headquarters are located in Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt am Main in Germany. The manufacturer operates further branches in several European countries and sells its products through regional distributors in other local markets. Hankook Tire employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide and sells products in over 160 countries. The company has been the technical partner and exclusive tyre supplier of the Generation 3 for the FIA ABB Formula E World Championship since 2023. Internationally leading car manufacturers rely on tyres made by Hankook for their original equipment. Approximately 38 percent of the company's global sales are generated within the European region.

For more information please visit www.hankooktire-mediacenter.com or www.hankooktire.com

Hankook Tire Europe GmbH | Marketing Communications Europe | Siemensstr. 14, 63263 Neu-Isenburg | Germany

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Hankook receives International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, the first among tyre manufacturers

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