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.
Comerio Ercole Deepens International Presence From Milan To Riyadh And São Paulo
- By TT News
- July 23, 2026
Comerio Ercole maintained a busy international exhibition schedule throughout June 2026, following its successful participation at INDEX Geneva in May. The company showcased its latest innovations for the plastics and rubber sectors at PLAST 2026 in Milan. The tour progressed to São Paulo, Brazil, for Expobor & Pneushow 2026, Latin America’s most significant rubber and tyre industry fair. This event served as a platform to reinforce ties with established local clients, engage with potential partners and discuss future collaborations.
The firm also attended Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2026 in Riyadh, a critical gathering for the Middle Eastern petrochemical market. The exhibition underscored rising regional interest in sophisticated processing technologies, consolidating Comerio Ercole’s footprint in an area investing heavily in industrial expansion.
The company hosted an official delegation from Svilajnac, Serbia, at its Busto Arsizio headquarters to bolster economic and industrial exchanges between the regions. Comerio Ercole presented its expertise in rubber and plastics machinery while fostering dialogue on innovation and future partnerships. The company thanked the Municipality of Busto Arsizio and participating organisations for facilitating the exchange.
The newly launched JET – Joint Embossing Technological Center, a venture with the Italian SIMEC Group, has attracted attention within the technical materials industry. The market outlook for the first half of 2026 remains positive, with sustained investments from tyre and rubber clients complemented by growing opportunities in plastics processing. With numerous global projects underway, Comerio Ercole acknowledged the trust placed in its engineering capabilities by customers and partners, whose collaboration remains central to its growth.
Continental Posts Strong EcoVadis Debut In New Tyre Category
- By TT News
- July 23, 2026
Continental has been awarded a gold medal in the 2026 EcoVadis Sustainability Rating, securing 84 points out of 100. This elevates the automotive supplier into the global top five percent of companies scrutinised by the Paris-based organisation. The evaluation marked a shift, as the company was examined for the first time under the ‘manufacture of rubber tyres and tubes’ classification, having previously been benchmarked under ‘parts and accessories’.
The highest scores came in environmental stewardship and labour practices, with 86 points earned in each. EcoVadis analysts weighed climate action plans, management frameworks and public sustainability disclosures. The firm's certification portfolio, procurement policies and execution of internal processes also contributed to the final rating.
Continental has boosted renewable and recycled input utilisation to 28 percent of tyre production materials as of 2025, with a roadmap calling for 40 percent by decade's end. Current lines incorporate reclaimed polyester from plastic bottles, repurposed steel, silica from agricultural ash and synthetic rubber from circular feedstocks. The group is intensifying supply web oversight through certified sourcing and binding sustainability clauses for primary vendors.
Absolute carbon output from tyre manufacturing has dropped by roughly 180,000 metric tonnes over four years, driven by cleaner energy carriers. In early 2026, Continental permanently ceased coal and heavy fuel oil combustion across its global footprint. Plants now generate process steam via green electricity, biomass, biogas and a mix of LPG and natural gas for grid stability. Since 2007, EcoVadis has expanded to over 150,000 rated entities, offering a digital platform for buyers and suppliers to compare supply-chain sustainability performance.
Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability for Continental’s Tires group sector, said, “Even in our new industry category, with its different assessment criteria, we continue to rank among the top 5 percent of companies worldwide. Our particularly strong score in the environment theme highlights the measures and management approaches we have implemented to achieve our sustainability targets – from using renewable and recycled materials to further reducing emissions at our plants.”
ANRPC To Host Sustainable Natural Rubber Forum In Kochi On 19 August
- By TT News
- July 22, 2026
The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) is convening a major sustainability forum in Kochi, India, on 19 August 2026. The day-long event, running from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM IST at the Crowne Plaza, represents a critical milestone for the natural rubber sector. Building upon the foundational discussions from the 2025 ANRPC meetings and the recent COP30 conference, the forum will unite member governments, industry leaders, non-governmental organisations and compliance bodies to advance a unified sustainability agenda.
The core objective of the gathering is to secure endorsement for the ANRPC’s Sustainable Natural Rubber Guidelines. A primary focus will be on deploying open-source traceability tools designed to facilitate compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation while ensuring that these measures do not impose additional financial burdens on smallholders and small-to-medium enterprises. The thematic discussions will be structured around environmental responsibility, including net-zero strategies, economic sustainability to protect smallholder livelihoods and fair pricing and market adaptation through sustainable finance for emerging sectors like electric vehicles and green construction.
The programme will feature five dedicated sessions covering net-zero pathways, national progress reports from India, Malaysia and Thailand and industry case studies from Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam. A key panel discussion will see government representatives and supply chain actors making future commitments. Attendance is targeted at ANRPC member states, supply chain stakeholders, rubber associations, environmental groups and relevant compliance organisations.
Tolins Tyres Subsidiary Acquires Plant And Machinery For Capacity Expansion
- By Sharad Matade
- July 21, 2026
Tolins Tyres Ltd has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Terra Rubber Pvt Ltd, has entered into a purchase agreement with Cochin Reclaim and Rubbers Pvt Ltd to acquire plant and machinery as part of its capacity expansion and backward integration strategy.
The agreement, executed on 1 July 2026, involves the purchase of identified plant and machinery from Cochin Reclaim, an unrelated third party. According to the company, the acquisition is intended to strengthen Terra Rubber's manufacturing capabilities through increased capacity and greater backward integration.
Under the terms of the agreement, Terra Rubber will acquire the machinery on an "as-is, where-is" basis. The subsidiary is required to remove the equipment from Cochin Reclaim's premises within 60 days at its own expense. Ownership of each item will transfer only after full payment has been made and the machinery has been physically removed.
Tolins Tyres said the transaction is a routine purchase undertaken in the ordinary course of business and will have no impact on the management or control of the listed company. It added that neither Terra Rubber nor Tolins Tyres holds any shareholding in Cochin Reclaim.
The company also confirmed that the transaction is not a related-party transaction, has been negotiated on an arm's length basis, and that Cochin Reclaim has no relationship with the company's promoter group or board of directors.
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