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.
Hankook Dynapro R213 Tyres Power WRC Rally Chile Biobío As Solberg Seals Second Win
- By TT News
- September 15, 2026
Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, wrapped up its support for the 12th round of the season. The WRC Rally Chile Biobío concluded on 13 September near Concepción, Chile, with Hankook’s off-road Dynapro R213 tyres proving central to the event.
The rally featured 16 special stages covering 311.18 competitive kilometres. Competitors tackled forest roads and rugged, unpaved mountain terrain around Concepción and the Biobío region, beside Chile’s Pacific coast. The route blended fast corners with compacted gravel made of volcanic ash particles and small stones, severely testing both drivers and tyres. Repeated runs over rough ground magnified the difficulty.
Hankook’s Dynapro R213 was available in Hard and Soft compounds, letting teams strategically select tyres for surface and weather conditions. The tyre offered flexibility on steep slopes and across varied ground, from soft earth to thick gravel. Oliver Solberg of Toyota GAZOO Racing claimed his second win of the season, following his Rallye Monte-Carlo triumph. The result also earned Toyota the 2026 Constructors’ Championship, its sixth straight since 2021 and tenth overall.
The 2026 WRC season now moves to the 13th round, WRC Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for 1–4 October near Alghero, Sardinia. That event combines demanding coastal and interior mountain roads, with tight corners and blind crests that restrict forward visibility, placing high demands on tyre traction and durability.
Bridgestone Launches VHS3 Crane Tyre With Longer Wear Life
- By TT News
- September 15, 2026
Bridgestone has unveiled the V-Steel Highway Service 3 (VHS3), a new high-speed radial tyre engineered for mobile all-terrain cranes. As a global leader in premium tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, the company designed the product to enhance vehicle and fleet performance. The VHS3 delivers improved wear life while helping reduce downtime and maintenance costs, enabling operators to perform confidently in demanding environments.
Compared with its predecessor, the VHS2, the new tyre offers up to 12 percent longer wear life. Bridgestone achieved this through an advanced rubber compound technology and an optimised contact area that minimises irregular wear. A new tread design featuring wide grooves and extended lug blocks further combines longer wear life with improved grip and stability on highways and off-road terrain.
The VHS3 is also 24 kg lighter than the VHS2, assisting fleets in reducing fuel consumption and operational costs while maintaining durability and improving load capacity. This results from a lighter casing design with a lighter belt construction. Bridgestone's new crane tyre will be available from September 2026 in size 445/95R25 178F.
Bas Rijpma, Fleet Manager, Sarens Netherlands, said, "In our business, reliability, uptime and efficiency are critical. Bridgestone has been a trusted partner to Sarens for more than a decade. As the next generation crane tyre, the VHS3 is already delivering very promising results. We have observed no irregular wear, the robustness we require for demanding heavy transport operations and favourable fuel efficiency potential thanks to its lighter weight. Combined with the TPMS solution, which gives us real-time insight into tyre pressure and temperature, the VHS3 helps us optimise tyre performance and minimise downtime. Together with low noise levels, it gives us confidence that Bridgestone VHS3 is setting a new standard for crane tyre performance."
VMI Raises Euro 125,145 For Ventoux3 Charity Event
- By TT News
- September 15, 2026
VMI has raised Euro 125,145 for the Ventoux3 fundraising event in support of the Erasmus MC Foundation, marking the highest amount the company has generated for a charitable initiative.
The funds were raised through participation in Ventoux3, an annual sporting challenge held in the south of France. On 11 September, 66 employees of VMI climbed Mont Ventoux by road bike, mountain bike and gravel bike, as well as by running, walking and hiking. Participants completed between one and four ascents of the mountain, supported by a company team providing logistical and on-route assistance.
Proceeds from the event will support research into new treatments for brain cancer, conducted by the Erasmus MC Foundation, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients following diagnosis.
VMI presented the donation during an evening event, contributing to a total of €584,391 raised by all Ventoux3 participants.
The company organises an annual charitable challenge, with this year’s total representing a record contribution.
VMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of TKH Group N.V., with operations across Europe, Asia and the Americas and a workforce of more than 1,800 employees worldwide.
Goodyear Upgrades UltraGrip Arctic 2 To Meet Traficom A+ Standards
- By TT News
- September 15, 2026
Goodyear has upgraded its studded winter tyre, the UltraGrip Arctic 2, to meet evolving Nordic regulations. The tyre now complies with the latest Traficom A+ requirements, which apply to all newly produced studded passenger car tyres from 1 January 2027. The redesign introduces a new stud pin geometry while keeping the same number of studs, reducing road wear without sacrificing winter performance.
The company is also streamlining its product naming. The UltraGrip Arctic 2 designation will now cover all sizes, with the previous SUV-specific line discontinued. Updated tyres will carry a Traficom A+ sticker and comply with the latest UNECE regulation. Three new sidewall markings will appear: an updated 3PMSF symbol featuring the ‘Ш’ character, an ice symbol and the word ‘STUDDED’, improving transparency across markets.
The range is expanding with seven additional SKUs in 18 inches and above, bringing the total to 122 SKUs. This strengthens coverage for vehicles such as the Audi e-tron, Volvo EX60 and EX40, KIA EV5, Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen Tayron and ID. Buzz. Goodyear’s non-studded UltraGrip Ice 3 line is also growing, adding 18 SKUs for a total of 130, with 80 percent now in 18 inches and above. This improves compatibility with electric and high-spec vehicles including the Mercedes GLB EQ, Volvo EX60, Nissan Leaf, Skoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID.3 GTX, ID. Buzz, Tesla Model Y, ID.7 and Renault 5.
Engineered for Nordic conditions, the UltraGrip Ice 3 uses a softer compound for ice grip, an optimised footprint for stability on heavier vehicles, and high sipe density for traction on snow. Recognised in multiple Nordic winter tyre tests, it continues to deliver reliable real-world performance while Goodyear meets new regulatory demands without compromising the trusted grip, control and reliability of the UltraGrip Arctic 2.
Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director, Product Development Consumer EMEA Goodyear, said, “We are continuously evolving our products to anticipate regulatory developments and customer needs. With the updated UltraGrip Arctic 2, we are ensuring drivers are ready for upcoming requirements while continuing to benefit from the outstanding winter performance they expect from Goodyear.”
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