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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Continental has transformed its European Roadshow into a long-term customer engagement platform, scheduled to traverse the continent through 2027. The initiative delivers the company’s newest commercial vehicle tyre technologies, trailer solutions and digital services directly to fleet operators. Following successful kick-off events in the Czech Republic and Denmark, the mobile tour is set to visit Norway and Finland, with further destinations to be announced.

This expanded programme underscores Continental’s strategic commitment to deepening customer ties through direct interaction. The initiative directly addresses critical fleet management concerns, including total cost of ownership, operational efficiency and the ongoing digitalisation of transport logistics. The company aims to position itself as a partner in solving real-world operational challenges.

Central to the roadshow is the Showtruck, a mobile consultation and demonstration hub that allows fleets to experience Continental’s portfolio within their local markets. Attendees navigate themed stations that link product innovations to practical fleet applications and everyday operational hurdles. A primary focus is the Generation 5 tyre portfolio, engineered for enhanced mileage, reduced rolling resistance and superior durability, alongside trailer tyre options and a preview of the upcoming Conti Efficient Pro HT 5.

The roadshow also highlights ContiConnect, a digital tyre monitoring system that supplies real-time data and actionable intelligence to support predictive maintenance and increase operational transparency. Traveling thousands of kilometres across Europe through 2027, the platform engages fleet operators, logistics firms, dealers and industry partners. By merging products, digital services and technical expertise, Continental reinforces its dedication to efficient, digitally connected transport solutions, with additional tour dates to be revealed.

Ivonne Bierwirth, Head of Marketing Communications – EMEA, Continental, said, "Fleet operators are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, control operating costs and meet evolving industry requirements. The Roadshow allows us to engage directly with customers and demonstrate how our tyre technologies, digital solutions and expertise can help them address these challenges in their daily operations."

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Tyres Europe and the Association of Synthetic Amorphous Silica Producers (ASASP) have released a joint position paper on synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) in tyre manufacturing. The document highlights SAS as a critical component that improves wet grip, reduces rolling resistance and supports durability, thereby enhancing vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, electric vehicle range and lowering use-phase emissions.

A proposed harmonised classification for SAS is under consideration. Though not an outright ban, the industry warns it would likely compel manufacturers to phase out SAS during design rather than manage exposure, effectively bypassing practical risk controls.

Tyres Europe and ASASP urge regulators to base any action on robust evaluation of SAS properties, exposure conditions, established industrial uses and broader socio-economic impacts on European value chains. Policy measures must reflect these factors to avoid unintended disruptions.

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Tegeta Green Planet participated in the recent Social Design Days conference, a three-day event hosted by the Design Institute that centred on circular design and sustainable innovation. The gathering brought together diverse professionals to explore the intersection of creative disciplines and environmental responsibility.

During the proceedings, Tegeta Green Planet Director Shalva Akhvlediani engaged in a panel discussion that examined Georgia’s trajectory in building a circular economy. The conversation addressed the nation’s current obstacles and prospective avenues for growth, with a particular focus on systemic shifts in resource management and regulatory frameworks.

Akhvlediani pointed to measurable advancements in Georgia’s waste management infrastructure, the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility standards and a growing national recycling ethos. These developments, he observed, are creating a robust base for more judicious resource utilisation and fostering habits of conscientious consumption. The panel further acknowledged that resourcefulness is deeply rooted in Georgian heritage, where mending, reusing and bequeathing goods were traditional practices, though modern consumerism has eroded these customs, necessitating a blend of age-old wisdom with contemporary circular strategies.

A critical takeaway from the discussion was the assertion that technological fixes and legislation alone are insufficient. Genuine progress, Akhvlediani argued, hinges on synergistic cooperation between designers, architects, researchers and creatives to engineer products and systems that prioritise longevity and recyclability from inception. Social Design Days proved instrumental in facilitating cross-sectoral dialogue, promoting circular principles and inspiring actionable solutions for national sustainability. Tegeta Green Planet reaffirmed its dedication to advancing these environmental objectives and supporting collaborative platforms that drive meaningful change.

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Continental is set to construct its first company-owned wind farm adjacent to its tyre production facility in Korbach, within the municipality of Twistetal, Hesse. The initiative will supply electricity directly to the plant, situated roughly eight kilometres away, thereby diversifying the manufacturer's energy portfolio. This strategic move aims to accelerate renewable power adoption, enhance cost competitiveness and diminish reliance on volatile energy markets.

The project features three turbines that, alongside existing solar systems, are projected to satisfy approximately two-thirds of the Korbach plant's electricity requirements. With an annual generating capacity of around 55 gigawatt-hours, the turbines could supply roughly 15,000 average households. Continental has allocated a mid-double-digit million-euro investment, having secured all necessary permits. Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2026, with commissioning expected about 18 months later.

Tyre production consumes significant power for operations like mixing raw rubber and extruding components. The Twistetal wind farm will enable the Korbach plant to meet a larger proportion of demand with locally sourced renewable energy fed directly into manufacturing. This addition complements existing infrastructure while maintaining reliable operations during fluctuating wind or solar conditions. The Korbach facility, employing approximately 2,400 people, produces tyres for passenger cars, motorcycles, bicycles and industrial uses.

Photovoltaic systems at Continental’s Korbach tyre plant.

The selected Nordex N175/6.X turbines have a hub height of 179 metres and a rotor diameter of 175 metres, reaching a total height of 267 metres, making them among the most powerful onshore turbines available.

The Korbach project represents a key step in Continental's broader strategy to expand proprietary energy generation, with similar initiatives considered globally. The goal is a flexible, economically viable energy supply while increasing renewable power proportion, ideally produced near each manufacturing site.

Continental is evaluating feasibility at worldwide plants, considering local conditions, regulations, storage, integration with existing sources and financial viability. Since 2020, the firm has covered global purchased electricity demand with renewables and reduced tyre production greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 180,000 metric tonnes over four years. By early 2026, coal and heavy fuel oil were eliminated at all production sites, replaced by electricity from renewables, biomass, biogas, LPG and natural gas for steam and heating.

Dr Bernhard Trilken, Head of Manufacturing & Logistics in Continental’s Tires group sector, said, “Having our own wind turbines near the plant will give us more predictable energy costs and reduce our exposure to volatile energy markets – key factors for competitive tyre production in Germany. This is fully aligned with our global strategy to expand our own renewable energy generation and will serve as a blueprint for other sites worldwide.”

Klaus Ohlwein, head of the Continental tyre plant in Korbach, said, “The wind farm will bring major benefits to our location. It will help us cover a significant share of our electricity needs in Korbach with our own renewable sources at competitive and more predictable costs. The electricity generated will be used directly in tyre production, including in mixers and extruders. The project is an important step in our sustainability activities at the site and demonstrates how industrial competitiveness and sustainable energy use can be effectively combined in Germany.”

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