Hankook Tire announced it has obtained the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS mark in recognition of the company’s sustainability initiatives, which the company says is a first in the tire manufacturing industry. These initiatives range throughout Hankook’s entire value chain, from sourcing of renewable raw materials to sustainable finished products.
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 and manufacturing process to finished products. The ISCC is affiliated with 130 sustainable raw material manufacturers, NGOs, and research institutes around the globe as members, and is the most reliable institution in the field of environmentally-friendly certification with transparent screening standards and the most stringent certification procedures.
Hankook Tire’s Geumsan plant received the ISCC PLUS certification through its efforts in tandem with replacing petroleum-based oil with natural oil, as well as adopting renewable bio-based polymers from petrochemical-based synthetic rubber.
This certification has added significance due to the fact that, in the case of natural oil, individual certification is required for each process, including the sourcing of natural raw materials, refining, and production. The production of biopolymers, unlike conventional chemical products, uses less petroleum and is compensated with recycled oil from various sources, such as used cooking oil. The heating process for non-petroleum-based oil in turn reduces carbon emissions.
“We are honored 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.”
The complex processes in which Hankook Tire produces certified sustainable raw materials translate into the environmentally-friendly Kinergy 4S 2 all-weather tires for passenger cars and Kinergy 4S 2X for SUVs.
Kinergy 4S 2 and Kinergy 4S 2X demonstrate improved performance compared to their predecessors by bringing out the best of these materials’ unique properties, says Hankook. Rubber made with natural oil maintains its properties at low temperatures, improving driving performance in snow conditions.
These exceptional features contributed to Hankook Tire’s recognition as manufacturer of the year 2021 in Auto Bild Magazine’s all-season tire category. This is in addition to the Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 all-season passenger car tire being named as the test winner in Auto Bild Allrad’s major tire test.
