European Hankook plant achieves milestone with ISCC PLUS Certification

- Certification underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
- Transition to natural oils and renewable bio-based polymers reduces carbon footprint and sets the standard for eco-friendly tire manufacturing

Seoul, Korea, October 26, 2023 – Global leading tire company Hankook Tire has attained the prestigious International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification for its European production plant in Rácalmás, Hungary. This extraordinary achievement is a testament to the company’s unyielding commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The tire manufacturer plans to further intensify its activities in the area of long-term carbon neutrality and resource conservation by using sustainable raw materials, for example, in the iON tire family designed for electric vehicles.

The ISCC PLUS certification, granted under the European Renewable Energy Directives (EU RED), recognizes the Hankook Tire’s plant in Hungary for its outstanding efforts in fostering eco-friendly practices. One of the key highlights of this accomplishment is to support the company’s successful transition from petroleum-based oil to natural oil, from petrochemical-based synthetic rubber to bio-based, circular or bio-circular polymers, from petrochemical-based PET textile cord to recycled PET textile cord, from mineral silica fillers to bio-based silica fillers based on the transparent and traceable certification system. This development underlines Hankook Tire’s commitment to sustainability and also represents a breakthrough for the entire tire industry.

The ISCC PLUS certification evaluates a company’s sustainability across the entire spectrum – from raw materials used and manufacturing processes to the finished products. Affiliated with 130 sustainable raw material manufacturers, NGOs and research institutes worldwide, ISCC is renowned for its stringent certification procedures and transparent screening standards.

Further recognition of Hankook Tire’s relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability
This is not the first time Hankook Tire has been acknowledged for its efforts in sustainability. The plant in Geumsan, Korea, made history in 2021 when it became the world’s first tire manufacturer to obtain ISCC PLUS certification, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in responsible and sustainable tire manufacturing. The ISCC PLUS certification for the European Hankook Tire plant in Hungary attests to the company’s continued success on the road to an increasingly greener future.

“This achievement is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability,” said Hyung Yun Kim, Managing Director of Hankook Tire’s plant in Hungary. “We believe that the ISCC PLUS certification is not only a validation of our efforts but also a strong message to the industry that responsible and eco-conscious manufacturing is not only already possible but also necessary for a successful future.”

The rigorous certification process involved a comprehensive review of Hankook Tire’s operations, from sourcing certified raw materials to applying appropriate manufacturing procedures. This achievement serves as an annual reaffirmation of Hankook’s dedication to upholding environmentally friendly practices.

Hankook Tire’s ISCC PLUS certification is a significant milestone that reflects the company’s dedication to a greener future and its leading role in shaping the tire industry's sustainable transformation.