Kumho has successfully developed a tire using 80% sustainable materials that replace petrochemical-based ones.

With the current proportion of sustainable materials at 25%, the company plans to increase the figure to 40% and 100% by 2030 and 2045, respectively. It has been conducting research on environmentally friendly tires made from recycled materials and innovative, plant-based substances.

Through the development of its new tire, Kumho increased the use of sustainable feedstocks to 80% by expanding the incorporation of recycled PETs and steel cords, alongside Carbon Black derived from pyrolysis oils that are extracted from end-of-life tires.

Natural materials

Under the guidelines of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), Kumho Tire has been mass-producing a variety of products such as natural rubber that consist significantly of natural materials. It has also developed tires using synthetic rubber crafted from recycled plastics, eco-friendly silica derived from rice bran, biomass-based oils and chemicals that are made from sunflower oil rather than petroleum, and powdered waste tires.

Mansik Cho, the head of Kumho Tire’s R&D division said, “Sustainability is key to our survival in an ever-changing mobility industry. We will strive to develop alternative materials to gain a competitive edge in carbon neutrality technologies and serve as a sustainable mobility partner.”

Kumho has engaged in various research to develop and expand its range of sustainable products. As part of its bid to raise the proportion of eco-friendly tires, it aims to reduce environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle including research and development, production, consumption, and disposal. In particular, the company focuses on the consumption phase, pushing for the development of tires that use less energy, are highly resistant to wear, and produce low noise, and generate less dust. These efforts are expected to mitigate the impact of its products on the environment, increase the sales of eco-friendly products, and reduce the environmental implications of its entire business process.