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.

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”