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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Falken has advanced to the final round of the first-ever Service Award, a new distinction created by the Federal Association of Tyre Retailers and Tyre Repairers (BRV) based in Bonn. As a brand operating under Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, Falken now competes alongside two other undisclosed nominees for a prize designed to highlight outstanding trust-based partnerships and superior service within the passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyre sector.

A comprehensive survey of over 250 BRV member companies drove the selection process. Between early March and mid-April, participating retailers cast online votes evaluating criteria such as on-time delivery reliability, logistics and ordering efficiency, commercial terms, customer service responsiveness and the quality of sales, marketing and training support. The results placed Falken among the three finalists, signalling strong approval from the specialist tyre trade.

The eventual winner will be revealed on 8 June 2026 at a ceremony held during the BRV General Meeting in Cologne. That announcement will formally close the inaugural competition, with Falken remaining in contention for the top honour.

Thomas Langer, Sales Director Germany, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “Being nominated for the BRV Service Award means a great deal as it is decided by the specialist tyre trade. It confirms our commitment to offering Falken partners not only reliable and safe products, but above all, dependable service, tailored support and a genuine partnership-based collaboration. This feedback motivates the whole team to remain focussed on serving our loyal customer base.”

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Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), the official global tyre partner of Arsenal Football Club, has extended its congratulations to the team for securing the Premier League title for the 2025/26 season. The Chinese tyre manufacturing giant, recognised as one of the world’s leading industry players, commemorated the club’s first Premier League title since the legendary unbeaten ‘Invincibles’ run of 2003/04. This victory represents Arsenal’s 14th English top-flight title, reaffirming its status among the most successful clubs in the history of English football.

Since forming the global partnership with Arsenal in 2023, ZC Rubber has leveraged the collaboration to promote its diverse tyre brand portfolio, which includes WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE, CHAOYANG, ARISUN, TRAZANO, YARTU, TIANLI and YONGGU. The company has enhanced its international brand visibility through matchday LED advertising at Emirates Stadium, integration with Arsenal’s official channels and various fan engagement initiatives. These efforts connect the excitement of elite football with the reliability and performance of ZC Rubber’s tyre products.

This championship victory also represents a significant milestone in ZC Rubber’s sports marketing strategy. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, the Arsenal partnership serves as a dynamic platform to reach consumers, distributors and business partners through a shared passion for football. ZC Rubber has expressed pride in celebrating the season’s success alongside Arsenal and its worldwide fanbase.

Henry Shen, Senior Vice President, Zhongce Rubber Group, said, “On behalf of ZC Rubber, I would like to offer our sincere congratulations to Arsenal Football Club, the players, coaching staff and supporters on this remarkable Premier League victory. It has been inspiring to see the team’s focus, determination and unity throughout the season. Arsenal’s pursuit of greatness strongly resonates with ZC Rubber’s own commitment to delivering safe, reliable and high-performance tyre solutions for customers around the world.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) is showcasing its latest agricultural tyre technologies at Agritechnica Asia in Bangkok, where more than 15,000 trade visitors are expected to attend the exhibition over three days.

The off-highway tyre manufacturer is exhibiting at booth F17 alongside Chavakit Ruam Yang Co Ltd., its distributor in Thailand for more than 20 years.

BKT said the products on display are designed to address the evolving requirements of the Asian agricultural sector, with a focus on soil protection, durability and load-carrying capacity.

Among the products featured at the exhibition is HARVESTER SPECIAL, a heavy-duty tyre developed for sugarcane harvesters in Thailand. The company said the tyre’s dual-angle lug design is intended to improve traction in field conditions while maintaining road comfort.

The company is also presenting several products from its AGRIMAX range, including AGRIMAX RT 657, AGRIMAX RT 855 and AGRIMAX RT 955, which are designed for soil tillage, road use and row crop applications.

In addition, BKT is displaying tyres from its TR range, including TR 135, which is aimed at demanding tillage operations.

The exhibition is being held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) through 22 May.

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Continental has deepened its longstanding alliance with BRABUS by engineering a bespoke ultra‑ultra‑high‑performance (UUHP) summer tyre for the new BODO supercar. The SportContact 7 Force joins the award-winning family as an exclusive derivative, marked by a special BB sidewall identification. This launch extends a technical partnership rooted in performance and precision for more than 25 years.

Developed from the tread concept of its predecessor, the new tyre focuses on maintaining maximum control at high speeds on both roads and racetracks. It provides quick responses to shifting loads, ensuring predictable lane changes and stable motorway running. The compound also delivers repeatable grip during successive braking and acceleration on a circuit.

This model-specific fitment, sized at 275/35 ZR 21 for the front and 325/30 ZR 21 for the rear, aligns tyre construction with the supercar’s axle-load realities. The collaboration ensures that the BODO’s engine power is transmitted effectively to the asphalt without sacrificing steering precision. Continental and BRABUS have consistently aligned aerodynamics and compound for very powerful vehicles.

The SportContact 7 Force serves as the enabling interface between driver intent and the road, turning bold ideas into confident handling. By pairing a sentimental heritage with a modern performance brief, the tyre translates raw power into high-speed stability. This launch marks another chapter in a decades-long technical story focused on delivering everyday performance.

Dr Marian Graßmann, Senior Tyre Developer, Continental Germany, said, "With the SportContact 7 Force, we are taking the performance of our most successful UUHP tyre to an even sportier level. The combination of adaptive tread pattern, advanced Harmonised BlackChili compound and vehicle-specific design enables handling that remains precise, stable and controllable under extreme conditions. Balancing everyday use with racetrack competence was our development target. Our tyres are the first with specification marking for BRABUS, showing that not only is the vehicle tailored made but the tyres are special too.”

Dipl.-Ing. Jörn Gander, Chief Technology Officer, BRABUS, said, “The BRABUS BODO embodies modern coachbuilding at the highest level – down to the very last detail. Together with Continental, we created a bespoke tyre technology that perfectly combines performance, control and character. The BB signature on the sidewall makes visible what sets this project apart: genuine individual development rather than compromise.”

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