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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Nokian Tyres has formally released its climate transition plan, a comprehensive roadmap guiding the company’s decarbonisation efforts. This strategy is anchored in the company’s near- and long-term climate objectives, which received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative in 2024. Crucially, the organisation’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 aligns with the stringent requirements of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as dictated by contemporary climate science.

The company has already made significant progress, particularly within its own operations. By the close of 2025, Nokian Tyres had successfully reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 38 percent relative to the 2022 baseline, edging closer to its interim target of a 42 percent reduction by 2030. The newly published plan elaborates on this trajectory, detailing the primary sources of emissions and the essential strategies for reduction both internally and across the broader value chain. These actions are designed to meet the 2030 benchmarks while maintaining a clear pathway towards the ultimate goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Endorsed by the company’s Board of Directors, the plan is a living document subject to updates as emission-reduction technologies and methodologies evolve. Further details are accessible on the corporate website. This strategic approach is already yielding tangible results and external recognition. The company’s Romanian facility stands as the world’s first full-scale tyre factory to achieve zero CO2 emissions in its own operations. Furthermore, this commitment to sustainability was acknowledged in 2025 by TIME Magazine, which named Nokian Tyres one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies, and by CDP, which awarded the firm its sixth consecutive leadership-level score for climate action.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “Our work towards net-zero emissions is not only about us but also about drivers worldwide. Through our actions and innovations, we reduce the environmental impact of tyre manufacturing while delivering the safety and quality that define Nokian Tyres.”

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As temperatures drop and road conditions become increasingly unpredictable, ensuring vehicle safety demands more than cautious driving. Giti Tire, drawing on over seven decades of global expertise, offers both advanced tyre technology and practical guidance to help drivers navigate winter’s challenges with confidence. Their latest winter offerings, the Giti Winter Comfort WT26 and the Giti Winter Control WT80, cater to a wide range of vehicles with sizes spanning R15 to R22. These tyres, developed under the AdvanZtech platform with Ice Surface Adhesion Technology 3.0, demonstrate how innovation can directly enhance grip and stability in icy and snowy conditions.

However, even the most sophisticated tyres require proper maintenance to perform effectively. Giti highlights that drivers frequently overlook how colder weather affects their tyres. A significant drop of 10°C can cause tyre pressure to decrease, which in turn impacts braking and handling. Checking pressure monthly when the tyres are cold helps maintain optimal performance. Tread depth is another critical factor; once it nears the wear indicators, replacement is essential. Additionally, the condition of the rubber itself matters – prolonged exposure to moisture, harsh sunlight or road chemicals can accelerate aging. Simple habits like parking carefully and clearing debris from the tread grooves can prevent damage and extend tyre life.

When temperatures consistently hover below 7°C, or when frost and snow coat the roads, switching to dedicated winter tyres becomes a necessity rather than an option. Unlike all-season alternatives, winter tyres retain their flexibility in extreme cold, offering superior traction on slippery surfaces. This translates to more controlled acceleration, braking and cornering. The WT26, for instance, is engineered for comfort and quiet operation. Its specialised rubber compound works to absorb the thin water layer on ice, while interlocking tread blocks and dense sipes provide secure footing without compromising cabin serenity. For those who prioritise dynamic handling, the WT80 employs a bionic tread pattern and tightly packed sipes that act like brushes on ice, sharpening steering response and braking precision. Advanced groove designs also boost snow traction, while noise optimisation technology ensures a refined ride even at higher speeds.

Beyond tyres, a holistic approach to winter preparation is vital. Drivers should verify that lighting, brakes and steering systems are in peak condition before the season sets in. Choosing the right windshield washer fluid, one rated for local low temperatures, prevents freezing and maintains visibility. On the road, managing fogged windows, using lights appropriately and keeping a steady rhythm on slick surfaces are key defensive driving techniques. Electric vehicle owners face unique considerations; preserving battery health means avoiding extended parking in extreme cold with a low state of charge. Even routine car washing matters – opting for warmer parts of the day and using warm water reduces stress on paint and glass caused by rapid temperature changes.

These combined efforts, from high-tech tyre selection to mindful daily habits, form a comprehensive safety net. By attending to both the obvious and easily missed details, drivers can significantly reduce risk and maintain control throughout the winter months.

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Dunlop Tyres South Africa has announced that from 1 February 2026, its 18-month Dunlop Sure Tyre Insurance has become a standard feature included with every tyre purchase across its entire range. This decision follows an overwhelmingly positive response from South African motorists to a previous limited-time promotion that extended the cover period.

The original promotion, which added an extra six months of protection to the standard 12-month policy, was introduced as a temporary measure. However, it quickly became evident that South African drivers highly valued the extended security and long-term peace of mind it provided against unforeseen tyre damage.

Lubin Ozoux, the CEO of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, explained that the feedback from their dealer network, who interact with customers daily, highlighted a clear demand for a robust safety net. Motorists are seeking reassurance that they are protected should a tyre suffer irreparable damage from common road hazards. Responding to this consumer need, the company has taken the significant step of embedding the 18-month cover as a permanent, no-cost feature. This move underscores the brand's confidence in its product quality and its commitment to delivering genuine added value.

By standardising this extended protection, Dunlop aims to reinforce its market leadership, offering a comprehensive package that goes beyond premium performance and safety. The proposition now provides continuous support and value for drivers long after their initial purchase. To activate the cover, customers simply need to buy their Dunlop tyres from a Dunlop-branded store and register them on the official Dunlop website within seven days. This free insurance provides crucial financial protection against the cost of replacing tyres damaged beyond repair by hazards on the road.

Ozoux said, “By making 18 months of Dunlop Sure standard, we’re reinforcing our confidence in our products and raising expectations of what tyre ownership should deliver – safety, value and reassurance.”

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Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion and a global leader in wheel manufacturing, has taken a significant step forward in its environmental strategy by activating a new on-site solar energy system at its facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This installation, developed in partnership with Iberdrola México, is part of a broader commitment to reducing the company's carbon footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources. It marks the ninth solar project completed by Maxion Wheels worldwide.

The newly commissioned photovoltaic system boasts a capacity of 499 kilowatts, enabled by the installation of 1,073 solar modules. It is projected to generate around 919 megawatt-hours of clean electricity on an annual basis. This initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 617 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, an environmental benefit comparable to the carbon sequestered by more than 10,200 trees over a decade. The clean energy produced will directly support the decarbonisation of the plant’s manufacturing processes.

This project in San Luis Potosí is one element of a three-part solar collaboration between Iochpe-Maxion and Iberdrola within Mexico. It follows the activation of a similar system at the company’s Chihuahua plant in 2024 and precedes another photovoltaic project at the Castaños, Coahuila facility, which is anticipated to come online soon. These investments are integral to Maxion’s global sustainability framework, known as Roadmap Zero, which sets the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions across all company operations by 2040.

The Maxion Wheels plant, which began operations in 1996, is situated in the capital city of San Luis Potosí state. The expansive facility covers roughly 70,000 square metres and specialises in producing steel wheels for both light and commercial vehicles, supplying a diverse portfolio of leading international automotive manufacturers. The recent inauguration of the solar project was marked by the presence of company leaders Alexandre Becker and Alfonso Campos, alongside local dignitaries including Sonia Mendoza Díaz, the Secretary of Ecology and Environmental Management for the state, and César Lara from the CROM labour confederation, as well as the plant’s manager, Hugo Soriano.

Alfonso Campos, Commercial Director, Iberdrola México, said, “Through this partnership, we are supporting Maxion Wheels in its transition towards cleaner and more environmentally responsible processes. On-site photovoltaic energy enables lower emissions, greater cost stability and direct positive impact across the entire value chain. It is a tangible benefit for both industry and the planet, and it motivates us to continue growing together.”

Alexandre Becker, Business Unit President Americas, Maxion Wheels, said, “The inauguration of the photovoltaic solar panel system at our San Luis Potosí plant marks a decisive step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation and environmental responsibility. This project is the result of a collective effort across multiple teams, united by a shared purpose and a common vision.”

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