Hankook has attained the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC Plus) for its European production plant in Rácalmás, Hungary, in recognition of its efforts in fostering eco-friendly practices and its commitment to sustainability, innovation and environmental responsibility.
Hankook plans to further intensify its activities in the area of long-term carbon neutrality and resource conservation by using sustainable raw materials, such as those in the iON tire family for electric vehicles.
The ISCC Plus, granted under the European Renewable Energy Directives (EU RED), recognizes the Hankook plant in Rácalmás for its efforts in transitioning from petroleum-based oil to natural oils and renewable bio-based polymers that reduce its carbon footprint.
This transition involved moving from petrochemical-based synthetic rubber to bio-based, circular or bio-circular polymers; from petrochemical-based PET textile cord to recycled PET textile cord; and from mineral silica fillers to bio-based silica fillers based on the transparent and traceable certification system.
“This achievement is testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability,” said Hyung Yun Kim, managing director of Hankook’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 certification process involved a comprehensive review of Hankook’s operations, from sourcing certified raw materials to applying appropriate manufacturing procedures. In 2021, Hankook’s plant in Geumsan, Korea, became the world’s first tire manufacturer to obtain an ISCC Plus certification.
