Hankook’s Hungary tyre plant gains ISCC PLUS Certification

Hankook has attained ISCC PLUS certification (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) for its European production plant in Rácalmás (Hungary). According to the company, this is testament to the Hankook’s “unyielding commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility”. The tyre manufacturer reportedly 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 tyre family designed for electric vehicles.

The ISCC PLUS certification, granted under the European Renewable Energy Directives (EU RED), recognises the Hankook plant in Rácalmás for its “outstanding efforts” in fostering eco-friendly practices. One of the highlights is that this supports 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”.

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.

“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.”

Hankook’s Geumsan (Korea) plant became the world’s first tyre manufacturer to obtain ISCC PLUS certification in 2021.