Kumho Tire announced on Nov. 30 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with European petrochemical group Synthos for the joint development of sustainable tire raw materials. Both companies plan to collaborate on a project for the research and development of NdBR using Bio-Butadiene (Bio-BD) and intend to expand the use of eco-friendly synthetic rubber in tire manufacturing processes.
Synthos, with production bases in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland, has received ISCC+ certification from the European Union Renewable Energy Directive System for its portfolio. The company is actively cooperating with tire manufacturers to reduce environmental impact, including constructing a bio-butadiene manufacturing plant targeted for completion in 2027.
Kumho Tire has previously developed a tire with 55% sustainable materials in 2022 and was awarded an A-grade in the 2023 ESG evaluation by the Korea ESG Standards Authority for its efforts in executing ESG management. Moreover, this year, the company successfully developed a tire with 80% sustainable materials and plans to develop products solely using natural-based and recycled materials by 2045.