Hankook Tire receives International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, the first among tire manufacturers

- ISCC PLUS certification in recognition of Hankook’s sustainability commitment, particularly for the adaptation of natural oil and renewable biochemical materials
- Research and development to improve performance using renewable raw materials evident through the new eco-friendly Kinergy 4S series
- Hankook continues focus in improving sustainability elements across all value chains starting from raw materials sourcing to finished products

Seoul, Korea, November 11, 2021 – Global leading tire company Hankook Tire has become the first in the tire manufacturing industry to obtain the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS mark in recognition of the company’s sustainability initiatives throughout its entire value chain from sourcing of renewable raw materials to sustainable finished products.

Hankook’s achievement with ISCC PLUS is particularly notable due to the attributes in which the certification is awarded. ISCC PLUS is an international sustainability certification program for bio-based and circular (recycled) raw materials under the European Renewable Energy Directives (EU RED) that evaluates a company’s sustainability from its raw materials, manufacturing process, and to finished products. The ISCC is affiliated with 130 sustainable raw material manufacturers, NGOs, and research institutes around the globe as members, as is the most reliable institution in the field of environment-friendly certification with transparent screening standards and the most stringent certification procedures.

Hankook Tire’s Geumsan plant received the ISCC PLUS certification through its efforts in tandem with replacing petroleum-based oil with natural oil, as well as adopting renewable bio-based polymers from the petrochemical-based synthetic rubber.

This certification adds significance that, in the case of natural oil, it is particularly important to obtain individual certification for each of the processes that range from the sourcing of natural raw materials, refining, and production to become eligible for the certification. Biopolymers, unlike the process of making conventional chemical products, uses less petroleum and is compensated with recycled oil from various purposes, such as used cooking oil. The heating process for non-petroleum-based oil in turn reduces carbon emissions.

The complex processes in which Hankook Tire produces certified sustainable raw materials translate into environmentally-friendly Kinergy 4S 2 all-weather tires for passenger cars and Kinergy 4S 2X for SUVs.

Kinergy 4S 2 and Kinergy 4S 2X demonstrate improved performance compared to their predecessors by bringing out the best of the material’s unique properties. Rubber made with natural oil maintains its properties at low temperatures, improving driving performance in snow conditions.

These exceptional features are credited with Hankook Tire as the manufacturer of the year 2021 in Auto Bild Magazine’s all-season tire category. This is in line with the Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 all-season passenger car tire which was named as the test winner in Auto Bild Allrad's major tire test.

“We are honored to receive this high recognition from ISCC for our ongoing commitment to be the gold standard in sustainability,” said Sooil Lee, President and CEO of Hankook Tire & Technology, “This certification demonstrates our meticulous focus to continue improving every facet of our business for the benefit of our planet, our communities, and our lives.”