The MOU signing ceremony took place at KKPC's headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, solidifying the commitment of both companies to work together in promoting eco-conscious practices within the tire industry. As the demand for sustainable raw materials and products continues to grow, Hankook Tire and Kumho Petrochemical have pledged to jointly develop eco-friendly tires using recycled materials.
Under the agreement, Hankook Tire will conduct extensive testing and evaluation of its tires, ensuring optimal physical properties and performance quality. The focus will be on utilizing Eco-SSBR, a groundbreaking eco-friendly material produced through the application of KKPC's Recycled Styrene Monomer (RSM). Eco-SSBR replaces the traditional raw material styrene with RSM, resulting in a high-performance synthetic rubber that enhances tire wear resistance and fuel efficiency.
Kumho Petrochemical is actively considering investing in the material, with plans to commercialize it by 2026. As part of the MOU, Hankook Tire will be the first recipient of Eco-SSBR at a fair price once production begins, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly tire manufacturing.
Prior to the agreement, Hankook Tire has been implementing comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management activities to improve sustainability throughout the tire production process. The company is a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), a collaborative platform dedicated to enhancing the living conditions and productivity of small-scale rubber farmers while ensuring the quality of natural rubber.
Source: Hankook
