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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The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) has unveiled the recipients of its inaugural Circle of Change Awards, recognising initiatives that convert end-of-life tyres into sustainable materials with tangible community and environmental benefits. The honours, announced during a luncheon at the recently concluded 10th Tire Recycling Conference in Denver, Colorado, highlight growing momentum in end-use markets for recycled tire products.

North Carolina earned the Circular Economy Trailblazer Award for modernising its scrap tyre programme, including a revised funding framework that stabilises county recycling efforts, curbs illegal dumping and establishes a platform to incorporate tyre-derived materials into public works. The Innovation in End-Use Technology Award went to LHB Engineering and the St. Paul Port Authority for redeveloping a brownfield site in Minnesota, where roughly 30,000 yards of tyre-derived aggregate now support an underground stormwater system protecting the Mississippi River from runoff.

Michigan EGLE and its public, private and academic partners received the Market Development Excellence Award for a multi-sector effort using demonstrations and field data to advance tyre-derived aggregate, rubber-modified asphalt and porous pavements. The Value Chain Collaboration Award was presented to Bolder Industries and Pirelli Tire LLC for a closed-loop system that transforms manufacturing scrap tyres into recovered carbon black for new commercial tyre production, reducing emissions and resource use at scale.

The 2026 winning projects demonstrate that tyre recycling and tyre-derived products are established pillars of sustainability and economic growth, reinforcing the value of active state end-of-life tyre programmes focused on innovative market creation. The TRF Circle of Change Awards programme spans four national categories designed to spotlight leadership in advancing tyre recycling and the circular economy.

Stephanie Mull, Executive Director, Tire Recycling Foundation, said, “Every end-of-life tyre represents an opportunity to transform what would have been considered waste into something that strengthens our communities. This year’s winners are proof that when the industry works together, tyre recycling can simultaneously strengthen infrastructure, drive meaningful environmental progress and support local economies.”

Dick Gust, President, Tire Recycling Foundation, said, “What stands out about the 2026 winners is how embedded tyre recycling has become in real-world decision making. The success of these projects sends a clear signal that when recyclers, engineers, transportation agencies, state and local governments, manufacturers and private industry work together, end-use markets grow. That’s the integrated approach we need to continue building on.”

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Prinx Chengshan showcased its latest off-the-road tyre innovations at the 16th China (Guangrao) International Rubber Tire & Auto Parts Expo (Guangrao Tire Expo), which opened on 15 May. The event has established itself as one of China’s largest and most influential professional exhibitions in the rubber and tyre industry, focusing on uniting global tyre resources and fostering collaborative innovation and high-quality development.

The manufacturer’s exhibition focused on the Chengshan brand’s lineup of all-steel OTR and agricultural radial tyres. For heavy mining applications, the ET05/ET05A/ET16/ET17 wide-body dump truck tyres with deep transverse grooves offer strong traction on soft, uneven surfaces while preventing slippage. An all-terrain crane tyre, EC01, featured a non-directional tread and sidewall heat dissipation holes, balancing grip with temperature control for smooth travel between paved and unpaved roads. The ELD11/ELD12 loader tyres emphasised wear resistance and load stability under extreme conditions, and the ESM01 underground scraper tyre featured an ultra-cut-resistant compound to protect against sharp rocks in tunnel and mine settings.

Agricultural needs were addressed with the TX600 radial tyre, built for tractors operating on expanding modern farms. Large central tread blocks and flexible sidewalls support stable high-speed transit, while reinforced base structures and puncture-resistant materials allow for continuous work in fields containing crop straw and gravel.

Responding to growing OTR demand, Prinx Chengshan has accelerated its high-end product development to support domestic substitution in large machinery. A new green intelligent factory, representing an investment exceeding RMB 1.1 billion (approximately USD 161.75 million) across over 100,000 square metres, began operations in 2025 with the rollout of its first tyre. The facility is designed to produce 84,000 all-steel OTR tyres and 10,000 giant tyres annually for mines, construction sites, ports, airports, agriculture and industrial use.

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Triangle Tyre convened its 2026 Asia-Pacific Dealer Conference and EV tyre launch in Bangkok, Thailand, on 12–13 May. Under an innovation and technology banner, the company introduced its new EV tyre range for the Asia-Pacific market, engineered for new energy vehicles. The launch aims to support the new energy mobility sector, reinforce Southeast Asian footprint, and sharpen global competitive edge. The gathering drew key dealers from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, UAE and Pakistan.

Asia Pacific General Manager Zhang Mingquan reviewed 2025 performance and detailed the 2026 regional strategy, stressing market-focused, customised solutions for diverse road conditions. Triangle Tyre plans to refine products and services, deepen end-market penetration and lift competitiveness.

As new energy vehicle adoption surges, demand is rising for quiet, wear-resistant, low rolling resistance and high-load tyres. Triangle Tyre unveiled its next-generation NEV-specific E-Travel series and The Journey series TL706. Passenger tyre and sales teams conducted Southeast Asian research for local adaptation before launch.

Sales Director Yang Na presented the company’s innovation platform and intelligent production capabilities. She highlighted three advantages of the new EV tyres: extended range via proprietary compound and lightweight design, ultra-quiet performance through optimised tread patterns and sound-absorbing technology and enhanced safety from reinforced carcass strength and superior grip.

Regional dealers praised the new tyres’ performance and discussed future plans with Triangle’s teams, reaching agreement on deepening partnerships across ASEAN. Dealers reaffirmed commitment to delivering high-quality EV tyres to Southeast Asian consumers. The Bangkok event marked a major step in Triangle Tyre’s shift towards the new energy tyre market. The company will build on this momentum to deepen Asia-Pacific presence and drive sustainable regional growth.

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) is at the centre of a new industrial paradigm, as a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for the Federation of German Industries (BDI) confirms that the circular economy is becoming a decisive competitive factor for Germany. The analysis projects that circular gross value added could more than double from roughly EUR 60 billion (approximately USD 69.60 billion) today to up to EUR 125 billion (approximately USD 144.95 billion) annually by 2045, cumulatively unlocking an additional EUR 880 billion (USD 1.02 trillion) in value creation. AZuR interprets these findings as validation that recycling, reuse and extended product life cycles directly strengthen climate protection, supply security and industrial competitiveness.

A practical model of this transition already exists in the tyre recycling sector, where Germany generates around 50 million used tyres each year. Through professional repair, retreading and regrooving, many of these tyres could remain in use significantly longer before being mechanically or chemically recycled. AZuR actively champions keeping tyres and their raw materials in circulation across Europe, with the clear goals of avoiding waste, lowering CO₂ emissions, conserving natural resources and securing secondary raw materials for industry.

The effectiveness of extending tyre lifespan is illustrated by commercial vehicle retreading, which can increase mileage by up to 25 percent. According to an AZuR and DBU study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, retreading saves over 60 percent of CO₂ emissions, roughly two-thirds of raw materials and about 50 percent of the energy compared to new tyre production. Tyres no longer suitable for retreading are then mechanically processed into rubber granulate or chemically recycled via pyrolysis and devulcanisation, yielding valuable secondary materials for construction and new tyre products.

With more than 80 partners across the entire value chain, AZuR networks industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, science and recycling technology to develop concrete circular solutions. The BCG and BDI study thus confirms that the circular economy is not merely an environmental policy issue but a crucial growth driver for Germany’s industrial future, a role that AZuR believes the tire industry is uniquely positioned to lead.

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