Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) has announced that it has commenced mass production of its tyres utilising three types of ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) PLUS certified carbon black.

The carbon black, derived from end-of-life tyre pyrolysis oil, was developed through the Tire-to-Tire Circular Economy Model consortium. This marks the company’s first achievement following the launch of the Tire-to-Tire Circular Economy Model consortium in November 2023. The consortium, a project launched by Hankook Tire, focusses on continuous collaboration along with research and development to create sustainable materials suitable for mass production.

The project aims to create a circular economy model for producing new tyres from end-of-life tyres in South Korea. Together with 12 other Korean companies and institutions, Hankook Tire is working to meet global market demand for carbon neutrality and the use of sustainable materials.

The tyre major states it has achieved this outcome through collaborative research with consortium partners HD Hyundai Oilbank and HD Hyundai OCI. HD Hyundai Oilbank and HD Hyundai OCI developed the three types of certified carbon black by applying refined oil obtained from the pyrolysis process of end-of-life tyres using a mass balance approach and received ISCC PLUS certification, a voluntary international certification system for sustainable materials and product circularity.

With this Hankook Tire says it is now ready to apply these materials for mass production. This collaboration contributes not only to the transition of the tyre industry toward a circular economy by replacing existing petrochemical-based raw materials with circular materials, but also helps reduce reliance on petroleum resources, conserving natural resources and lowering carbon emissions.

Starting this year, Hankook Tire will apply certified carbon black to its products, leveraging the material to meet global sustainability requirements. Additionally, it will continue to work closely with consortium partners to develop carbon black made with 100 percent pyrolysis oil, aiming for 100 percent use of sustainable materials by 2050 and thereby accelerating the development of circular materials through the consortium.

Meanwhile, Hankook Tire continues its unwavering efforts to enhance sustainability within the global tire industry. In 2021, its Geumsan plant in Korea became the first in the tyre industry to obtain ISCC PLUS certification. This was followed by its plant in Hungary, which received the same certification in 2023, establishing a foundation for incorporating sustainable materials into mass production.

Additionally, in August 2023, Hankook Tire became the first company in the Korean tyre industry to have its mid to long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals for achieving ‘Net Zero by 2050’ approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

This demonstrates the company’s commitment to implementing tangible measures that aim to reduce carbon emissions. In 2024, Hankook Tire was awarded the Three-Star Environmental Accreditation by the Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA), the highest level of sustainability certification awarded by the organisation.

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The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has sounded an alarm over an exceptionally difficult economic situation facing the rubber sector. Soaring raw material prices and persistently high energy costs, exacerbated by the Iran war, are coinciding with weak industrial demand. wdk Chief economist Michael Berthel noted an almost unprecedented economic disparity, as raw material costs approach historical highs from 2011 and 2022 while a lack of demand prevents any offset for manufacturers.

Since the final quarter of 2025, prices for key inputs have risen sharply. Natural rubber has jumped more than 40 percent within months, while butadiene-based synthetic rubbers have increased over 30 percent. EPDM synthetic rubber, carbon black and oil-based plasticisers have all risen more than 20 percent, with some individual chemicals exceeding 40 percent cost growth in just a few weeks.

Energy prices remain a major burden, with Middle East developments fuelling market uncertainty. Risks to international transport and supply chains persist, and German rubber companies are closely watching potential impacts on raw material availability and global logistics flows.

Berthel warned that firms face mounting pressure from high costs, geopolitical instability and structural disadvantages in Germany, with no short-term relief in sight. The industry depends heavily on fair and reliable partnerships across the value chain, as processing companies alone cannot absorb the current strain. He called for fair solutions and a shared understanding of this exceptional situation.

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The Rubber Board of India has confirmed the continuation of all existing central sector schemes for the 2026-27 fiscal year at unchanged rates. Financial aid for new planting will be restricted to estates utilising poly bag or root trainer plants sourced solely from Board-approved nurseries, with applicants required to submit the original purchase bill. This mandatory verification step aims to ensure quality and authenticity of planting materials used across the sector.

Support for rain guarding and spraying operations will be channelled exclusively through Rubber Producers’ Societies. These societies must include GST bills for all acquired materials when applying. The official timeline for submitting applications will be announced separately by the Board, giving producers adequate time to prepare documentation and coordinate with their respective societies before the deadline.

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The Rubber Board of India has announced a temporary engagement for a young professional within its Market Promotion Division, located at the RRII campus in Puthuppally, Kottayam. The selected individual will assist with division activities and promote ‘mRube’, the electronic trading platform for natural rubber.

Candidates must hold an MBA in Marketing or Agri Business Management with computer knowledge, while skills in digital marketing, sales or market research and proficiency in English and Hindi are preferred. Applicants aged up to 30 years as of 1 May 2026, will be considered for the one-year role, which offers a consolidated monthly pay of INR 25,000.

Interested individuals should send their applications to the Deputy Director (Marketing) at the Central Laboratory Building, RRII, Rubber Board PO, Kottayam – 686009 by 19 May 2026. Shortlisted names will appear on the Rubber Board’s website with interview details, as no separate communication will be sent.

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Bekaert has officially finalised its acquisition of Bridgestone’s tyre reinforcement operations in China and Thailand, after securing all necessary regulatory approvals and meeting standard closing conditions. The deal, now fully completed, marks a significant step in the Belgian company’s expansion strategy.

The transaction brings under Bekaert’s control two production facilities: Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co., Ltd. in China and Bridgestone Metalfa (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Thailand. These plants specialise in manufacturing high-quality tyre cord products exclusively for Bridgestone tyres, and they will continue to supply Bridgestone under the new ownership, further deepening the longstanding partnership between the two firms.

Financially, the acquisition is expected to add roughly EUR 80 million to Bekaert’s annual consolidated sales. The EUR 60 million cash consideration for the deal was funded from the company’s available cash reserves.

Curd Vandekerckhove, CEO Rubber Reinforcement, said, “With the completion of this acquisition within our Rubber Reinforcement division, we are pleased to officially welcome the plant teams in China and Thailand to Bekaert. Our immediate focus is on a smooth transition and operational continuity while continuing to serve Bridgestone as a key strategic partner. The completion of the acquisition further strengthens the position of Bekaert in the tyre cord market, expands the global manufacturing footprint and deepens our longstanding partnership with Bridgestone. A long-term supply agreement ensures continued delivery of high-quality tyre reinforcement within a trusted supplier model.”

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