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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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been named a ‘Supplier Engagement Leader’, the top ranking in the 2025 Supplier Engagement Assessment by CDP, a global environmental nonprofit focused on a sustainable economy. This marks the second consecutive year the company has received the highest rating.

The CDP assessment examines how businesses effectively collaborate with suppliers on climate change issues, based on five criteria from its climate questionnaire: governance and strategy, emissions targets, Scope 3 emissions, risk management and supplier cooperation. Yokohama Rubber aims to achieve net zero CO₂ emissions from its own operations by 2050 and has disclosed Scope 3 emissions since 2013.

To address supply chain climate impact, the company created the Yokohama Green Procurement Guidelines with suppliers to promote eco-friendly raw materials. It also holds annual CSR briefings for suppliers on carbon neutrality. Under its ‘Caring for the Future’ sustainability slogan, Yokohama Rubber continues to generate shared value by tackling social issues through business activities.

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HF Group’s Freudenburg site in Germany has once again been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal, a distinction granted only to the top five percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the 12 months prior to the medal issue date.

The recognition reflects the quality of the company’s sustainability management system and demonstrates a firm commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain, acknowledging its continued dedication to responsible business practices and continuous improvement.

Simultaneously, the group is now preparing for a group-wide EcoVadis assessment, aiming to achieve its first consolidated group result by the close of 2026. This initiative represents another important milestone in strengthening HF Group’s sustainability journey on a global level, reinforcing its long-term environmental and social governance objectives across all operations.

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BKT Tyres, the tyre mobility brand of Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), has introduced a 24x7 journey assistance programme called BKT YOU FORWARD for two-wheeler riders. The initiative marks the company’s shift from a pure tyre manufacturer to a comprehensive mobility partner, offering support that extends well beyond the point of sale and aligns with its Elevate Your Drive philosophy.

Available across India, the programme provides round-the-clock assistance through a dedicated helpline for unexpected incidents like punctures, breakdowns or accidents. Services include towing, repairs, ambulance access, cab arrangements and legal aid, all aimed at reducing rider anxiety and ensuring uninterrupted mobility.

A digital-first campaign film starring veteran actor Rakesh Bedi brings the initiative to life through everyday riding scenarios, showing how reliable support turns stressful roadside moments into reassuring experiences.

BKT YOU FORWARD offers three structured plans with two-year validity: the Basic Plan at INR 99, the Signature Plan at INR 149 and the Elite Plan at INR 199. Partner agencies Crossroads and Bi WW support the programme, which relies on a robust service infrastructure, real-time monitoring and defined processes to maintain consistent customer experiences and long-term engagement.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer, BKT Tyres, said, “Indian riders face diverse challenges every day, and access to timely, reliable support can redefine their journey experience. At BKT Tyres, our philosophy of Elevate Your Drive is not limited to selling tyres; it’s a long-term commitment to rider confidence and mobility. BKT YOU FORWARD, as the name suggests, is designed with consumer-first principle and embodies this promise by offering a structured, 24x7 assistance programme that covers nearly every scenario a rider may encounter. This initiative is not just about solving problems, it’s about building trust, continuity and assurance into every journey. By combining strong service infrastructure, real-time monitoring and defined escalation processes, we are setting a new benchmark in customer engagement. Our vision is to ensure that riders don’t just move forward but move forward with confidence.”

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Xingda, a prominent producer of rubber reinforcement materials, has joined forces with tyre manufacturer Pirelli and low-carbon steel specialist Nanjing Iron & Steel (NISCO) to obtain ISCC PLUS certification across the entire scrap steel recycling chain. The jointly awarded certification spans every stage from raw material sourcing and steel cord production to finished tyre manufacturing.

The pilot project, championed by Pirelli and taken up by both Xingda and NISCO, seeks to add recycled steel to the ISCC PLUS approved materials list. This achievement represents continued progress in certifying the complete tyre supply chain under the ISCC PLUS framework for recycled steel usage.

Through this certification, a fully traceable circular model has been validated. Scrap steel carrying ISCC PLUS certification is turned into high-grade wire rod at NISCO, then converted into steel cord by Xingda and finally incorporated into tyres produced by Pirelli. The three value chain leaders are demonstrating collective action under a single certification system to speed up the circular economy transition. The partnership has helped define technical standards and sustainability protocols, enabling transparent communication about raw material origins.

Xingda has confirmed that recycled steel can be used in steel cord and bead wire applications at proportions between 40 and 100 percent. The company has established targets of reaching 40 percent recycled content by 2030 and full 100 percent by 2050. Meanwhile, Pirelli, as an early adopter of ISCC PLUS certified recycled steel in tyre production, aims to launch a tyre composed of over 80 percent bio based and recycled materials by 2030 while achieving 40 percent in total raw material use. NISCO supplies green special steel to the automotive sector using advanced electric arc furnace technology, with plans to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The ISCC PLUS certification awarded to this three-party collaboration ensures that the recycled steel meets strict sustainability and traceability standards. As a globally recognised system for tracking recycled and renewable materials across complex supply chains, ISCC PLUS now supports a replicable model for the worldwide tyre industry, allowing the full journey from scrap steel to finished tyres to be verified in response to rising market demand for transparent, circular supply chains.

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