Hankook Publishes 2022-23 ESG Report

Hankook, the premium tyre manufacturer, has released its 2022/23 Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Report, detailing its sustainability initiatives and strategies for the current year. Notably, the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has validated Hankook's greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, committing the company to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 according to the SBTi Net Zero standard.

This marks Hankook's 14th ESG Report, following its ESG vision, "Innovation for a Sustainable Future" introduced in 2010. The report encompasses the company's sustainability activities and its medium- and long-term strategies across environmental, social, and governance areas. It places equal emphasis on three key priority areas: Eco Value Chain, Sustainable Product, and Responsible Engagement.

Hankook has been progressively strengthening its commitment to sustainable management, enhancing its ESG management system. This journey began in 2009 with the establishment of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) organisation, followed by the formation of the ESG Strategy Committee and Steering Committee in 2010. In 2018, Hankook initiated a strategic effort to implement sustainable natural rubber policies and promote an eco-friendly circular economy system. By 2021, the company established an ESG Committee within the Board of Directors, and in 2022, it unveiled a Corporate Governance Charter, cementing its commitment to transparent and ethical ESG practices.

Hankook has proactively reduced its greenhouse gas emissions, positioning itself as a leader in constructing an eco-value chain. The company has developed a comprehensive climate change response strategy and incorporated a Climate Change Committee into its management activities. It has also undertaken various energy-saving initiatives, including adopting high-efficiency equipment, optimising energy efficiency, and using renewable energy. These efforts have resulted in a 2.74 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity compared to the previous year.

With a firm commitment to addressing climate change, Hankook joined the Science Based Targets Initiative in March 2022 and submitted its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. These targets align with the latest climate research findings and the goals of the Paris Agreement. By 2030, Hankook aims to achieve a 46.2 percent reduction in total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) generated during the production stage, compared to 2019 figures, in compliance with the SBTi validation. Additionally, the company has set a 2030 target to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the value chain (Scope 3) by 27.5% compared to 2019 figures. This recognition by the SBTi signifies Hankook's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 based on the SBTi Net Zero standard, a responsibility shared by approximately 5,700 companies worldwide.

Hankook is also dedicated to developing eco-friendly tyres using highly functional synthetic rubber, furthering its ESG goal of increasing the use of sustainable raw materials. Recognised for its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, Hankook has received top ratings from multiple global ESG evaluation agencies.

Moreover, the company is actively engaged in intelligent tyre technology, incorporating sensors in the tread to detect wear and developing airless tyres like the i-Flex. To contribute to a more sustainable future, Hankook is actively involved in establishing a sustainable supply chain, implementing human rights management, promoting employee well-being, and participating in social contribution activities.

Hankook has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) World, a prestigious sustainability index, for seven consecutive years.

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Pirelli has renewed its collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing in North American rallying, a partnership that will see the new Toyota GR Corolla Rally RC2 make its competitive debut this weekend at the 100 Acre Wood Rally. This marks the second round of the season and reintroduces the Corolla name to international rally competition.

The vehicle, developed specifically for the RC2 category of the American Rally Association (ARA), is derived from the road-going GR Corolla and has been meticulously refined with contributions from Jari-Matti Latvala and Juho Hänninen. Central to its development was the use of the latest Pirelli AT Scorpion gravel tyres, an advanced evolution of a tyre family already widely respected in the World Rally Championship for its consistent reliability and performance. These same tyres will be used throughout the entirety of the American season.

American driver Seth Quintero has been selected to pilot the new machine for the remaining rounds of the championship, bringing fresh energy to the campaign. The Toyota GR Corolla Rally RC2 represents a significant technical achievement, blending production-based design with competition-focused engineering. The development process benefited from extensive testing and the input of world-class drivers, ensuring the car is well prepared for the challenges of the ARA. With the Pirelli AT Scorpion tyres providing a proven foundation for gravel performance, the team enters the season with strong momentum and clear objectives for the rounds ahead.

Terenzio Testoni, Rally Activity Manager, Pirelli, said, “It’s a pleasure to see our collaboration with Toyota renewed in American rallying with a technically exciting project such as the Toyota GR Corolla Rally RC2. The ARA championship is a top-level series that adds to the many rally and GT programmes supplied by Pirelli around the world. We are ready to bring our experience to support Toyota in this new challenge.”

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Hoosier Racing Tire, a subsidiary of Continental AG specialising in the production of racing tyres, has entered into a significant multi-year agreement with Street Car Takeover, assuming the roles of Presenting Sponsor and Official Tyre for the prominent street car racing series. This collaboration positions Hoosier at the forefront of a dynamic motorsport platform known for its high-energy atmosphere and rapid growth within the automotive community.

The partnership ensures Hoosier's prominent visibility throughout the entirety of SCT's event lineup. This includes a presence at preliminary gatherings, main racing days, collaborative activities and featured car showcases. By becoming the series' official tyre, Hoosier deepens its dedication to the racers and the vibrant culture that defines the sport, ensuring its products are integral to the competition.

Street Car Takeover orchestrates national weekends that combine various forms of racing, including traditional drag racing and roll racing, alongside substantial car shows. These events create an immersive experience centred on street car enthusiasm, drawing thousands of participants and spectators. The diverse competition classes accommodate a wide spectrum of vehicles, from everyday street-driven machines to extensively modified high-performance builds.

To enhance competitor support, a Hoosier Racer Incentive programme will be active throughout the season. Participants using Hoosier tyres across all racing classes will earn additional championship points, providing a tangible reward for their choice of equipment during the SCT tour. This commitment to grassroots competitors extends into the car shows held at each event, where special incentives and awards will recognise exceptional vehicles fitted with Hoosier tyres.

The 2026 Street Car Takeover season is set to commence with its opening event at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. This weekend marks the first of 17 scheduled race events, where racers and fans will gather to experience a programme filled with high-speed competition, displayed vehicles and continuous activity.

Nic Moncher, Head of Marketing, Hoosier Racing Tire, said, “Street Car Takeover represents the heart of grassroots street-car performance, showcasing real racers, amazing cars, undeniable competition and an incredible lifestyle scene. At Hoosier, our mission has always been to fuel passion, pride and success. We're proud to partner with SCT, bringing even more performance, competition and excitement to every event.”

Chase Lautenbach, Founder, Street Car Takeover, said, “Hoosier Racing Tire is an iconic brand in drag racing, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them as the Presenting Sponsor and Official Tyre of Street Car Takeover. Their reputation for performance, innovation and racer support makes them a perfect fit for our racers and our fans.”

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Hankook Tire has introduced the Laufenn S Fit 2, a new addition to its sporty tyre lineup that emphasises consistent performance, efficiency and durability while upholding the premium standards of the Hankook brand. This marks a significant milestone as the first Laufenn model to be selected as original equipment by European automobile manufacturers. The Laufenn S Fit 2 is now widely available in 94 sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches, with a dedicated SUV version offered in sizes from 16 to 20 inches.

Engineered specifically for the European market, the tyre underwent rigorous testing to ensure it performs reliably across diverse driving conditions. It delivers strong grip and stability for agile cornering on dry asphalt, confident control during heavy rain and a smooth, comfortable ride through city traffic. A key technical advancement is the high silica compound combined with convex tread blocks, which enables nearly 90 percent of sizes to achieve the top EU wet grip classification of A. This represents a 16 percent reduction in braking distance compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, four wide linear grooves enhance water evacuation, resulting in a 10 percent improvement in wet handling and increased directional and lateral stability at higher speeds.

The S Fit 2 also demonstrates notable gains in sustainability and cost efficiency. With a rolling resistance rating between B and C, the tyre supports exemplary fuel economy. The integration of a new generation of polymers contributes to a 15 percent increase in mileage over the previous model, thereby reducing long-term tyre costs. Additionally, the refined tread pattern minimises vibrations and noise, significantly enhancing acoustic comfort.

Beyond its performance credentials, the Laufenn S Fit 2 offers a high load capacity and low weight, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of vehicles. Looking ahead, Laufenn tyres designed for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles will feature a dedicated EV marking on the sidewall, a strategic characteristic of this second-generation product line that is already present on the S Fit 2.

Jang Hyuk Moon, Vice President – Marketing, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With the Laufenn S Fit 2, we are strengthening the profile of our brand in the summer segment. The fact that the tyre is also being used as original equipment for the first time is an important milestone and shows that Laufenn is continuing to gain substance in the European market.”

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The AZuR project group on chemical recycling has published a comprehensive glossary to establish clear and consistent terminology in the field of used tyre processing. This resource aims to support a common understanding among industry professionals, scientists, politicians and the media by defining key technical terms and explaining complex processes transparently.

The glossary was compiled by Claus Lamer and Robert Weibold (both of Robert Weibold GmbH), along with Dr Ann-Kathrin Andresen (ING.-UP). It covers essential concepts related to chemical tyre recycling, such as pyrolysis and devulcanization, while also including other relevant recycling methods for context.

Pyrolysis, a central process in chemical recycling, involves the thermochemical decomposition of shredded tyres at high temperatures without oxygen. This process yields valuable outputs like pyrolysis oil, gas and recovered carbon black. The generated gas can be used to power the plant, making the process highly energy efficient. Devulcanisation is another technique highlighted, as it allows vulcanised rubber to be reprocessed into a usable secondary raw material.

These advanced recycling methods are crucial for advancing a sustainable tyre circular economy. They provide a climate-friendly alternative to landfills or incineration for tyres that are no longer suitable for repair or retreading. By transforming end-of-life tyres into valuable secondary raw materials, chemical recycling keeps resources in circulation and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

With this glossary, the AZuR project group provides a foundational technical reference to guide future discussion and development. It encourages a balanced assessment of the opportunities and limitations of these technologies, promoting innovation that supports a fully functional circular economy.

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