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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has issued a reminder that underinflated tyres can lead to higher fuel consumption, a concern that is especially relevant given the current geopolitical pressures on global energy markets. With pump prices beginning to climb again across the UK, motorists are being encouraged to carry out basic vehicle maintenance as a way to improve fuel efficiency.

This week, motoring organisations including the RAC and AA have urged drivers to adopt efficient driving habits and ensure their tyres are properly inflated to mitigate the impact of rising costs. Recent RAC Fuel Watch data reveals a significant increase at the pumps, with petrol climbing by approximately 4.68p per litre and diesel rising by around 8.59p per litre in just over a week, coinciding with escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to TyreSafe, checking tyre pressures at least once a month and before longer trips is essential. Drivers should refer to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, typically listed in the vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or fuel cap.

Many motorists may not realise that driving on underinflated tyres could be silently increasing their fuel bills. Research from The Motor Ombudsman indicates that more than half of all tyres on UK roads may be running below the ideal pressure. This increases rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to work harder to maintain normal speeds.

Even a modest drop in pressure can have an effect. A 10 percent reduction can raise fuel consumption by about two percent, adding unnecessary costs. Safety is also compromised, as a 20 percent decrease can impair handling and grip, heightening the risk of incidents. With costs rising again, a simple tyre check can support both road safety and household budgets.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “When fuel prices rise, drivers naturally look for ways to make their fuel last longer. One of the simplest things they can do is check their tyre pressures regularly. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means the vehicle has to work harder and burn more fuel just to move forward. It may seem like a small issue, but over time it can quietly add to the cost of every journey. More importantly, tyres that are not inflated correctly can reduce grip, handling and overall vehicle stability. Keeping tyres at the correct pressure isn’t just about saving fuel – it’s a critical part of staying safe on the road.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has inaugurated The Gambia’s inaugural tyre recycling plant, a pioneering step forward in the nation's efforts to combat environmental degradation and manage waste. As per a report by The Point, this landmark facility, established with financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is engineered to process end-of-life tyres into reusable materials, directly confronting a long-standing waste issue that has seen discarded tyres obstruct waterways and blight communities for years.

During the inauguration, representatives from KMC highlighted the council's dedication to forward-thinking solutions, ecological responsibility and local advancement. The project was presented as a testament to the effective synergy between local governance and international cooperation in achieving significant environmental progress. The new plant is anticipated to yield substantial advantages, including mitigating pollution and enhancing urban cleanliness from an environmental perspective, while simultaneously unlocking economic potential through the creation of valuable resources from waste.

This, in turn, could stimulate local enterprise and generate employment. Officials characterised the venture as emblematic of a shared resolve to foster a cleaner and more resilient nation. By establishing this recycling facility, KMC has positioned itself at the vanguard of ecological innovation within the country, establishing a benchmark for future sustainable initiatives across The Gambia.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sun Auto Tire & Service, one of the largest independent tyre and automotive service providers in US, has unveiled Drive With Purpose, a new community-focused initiative designed to embed charitable action into the company’s daily operations. The programme transforms each service visit into an opportunity for both employees and customers to contribute to local communities. Rooted in the company’s heritage as an independent shop, the effort balances grassroots engagement with the backing of a national network.

The initiative is structured around three core pillars. Through Community Partnerships, Sun Auto strengthens local neighbourhoods by supporting food banks, events and fundraising tied to routine vehicle maintenance. A second pillar is dedicated to Veteran Causes, channelling resources towards organisations that assist veterans and first responders. These efforts emphasise mobility, independence and career opportunities beyond military service. The third area, Educational Development, focuses on technical training and workforce education, aiming to cultivate the next generation of automotive technicians and ensure the industry’s long-term vitality.

Drive With Purpose builds on existing philanthropic momentum. Last year, Sun Auto contributed more than USD 70,000 to charitable causes and has already donated USD 30,000 in the first quarter of this year. The company is now directing increased attention to veteran support, workforce development and local partnerships.

In January, more than seven hundred employees gathered in Arizona for the DRIVE 2026 Leadership Workshop. Regional teams competed to direct donations to charities of their choice, including organisations such as America’s VetDogs, Susan G. Komen Tunnel to Towers Foundation, TechForce Foundation and No Kid Hungry. reinforcing the company’s commitment to purpose-driven community impact.

Tony Puckett, CEO, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "Drive With Purpose is a platform in which we can support our local communities every day. It connects the automotive service work that we are doing in our stores to the opportunity to serve others in need within our local markets and gives our teams and guests a great way to support these amazing charitable organisations.  Every mile truly matters, and this is how we bring that to life."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli has renewed its collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing in North American rallying, a partnership that will see the new Toyota GR Corolla Rally RC2 make its competitive debut this weekend at the 100 Acre Wood Rally. This marks the second round of the season and reintroduces the Corolla name to international rally competition.

The vehicle, developed specifically for the RC2 category of the American Rally Association (ARA), is derived from the road-going GR Corolla and has been meticulously refined with contributions from Jari-Matti Latvala and Juho Hänninen. Central to its development was the use of the latest Pirelli AT Scorpion gravel tyres, an advanced evolution of a tyre family already widely respected in the World Rally Championship for its consistent reliability and performance. These same tyres will be used throughout the entirety of the American season.

American driver Seth Quintero has been selected to pilot the new machine for the remaining rounds of the championship, bringing fresh energy to the campaign. The Toyota GR Corolla Rally RC2 represents a significant technical achievement, blending production-based design with competition-focused engineering. The development process benefited from extensive testing and the input of world-class drivers, ensuring the car is well prepared for the challenges of the ARA. With the Pirelli AT Scorpion tyres providing a proven foundation for gravel performance, the team enters the season with strong momentum and clear objectives for the rounds ahead.

Terenzio Testoni, Rally Activity Manager, Pirelli, said, “It’s a pleasure to see our collaboration with Toyota renewed in American rallying with a technically exciting project such as the Toyota GR Corolla Rally RC2. The ARA championship is a top-level series that adds to the many rally and GT programmes supplied by Pirelli around the world. We are ready to bring our experience to support Toyota in this new challenge.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!