Tyre maker expands use of recycled and bio-based materials while advancing low-emission technologies and circular manufacturing to support carbon neutrality.
Kumho Tyre is intensifying its research and development efforts in sustainable tyre materials as part of its long-term strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The company is expanding the use of recycled and bio-based raw materials while developing advanced tyre technologies that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.
The South Korean tyre manufacturer has outlined a roadmap to increase the share of sustainable materials in its products from the current level to 40% by 2030, with the ultimate objective of manufacturing tyres using 100% sustainable materials by 2045. The initiative supports the company’s broader carbon neutrality strategy and aligns with international climate goals.
Kumho’s research focuses on incorporating a wide range of environmentally responsible materials into tyre production, including recycled carbon black, recovered steel cord, synthetic rubber derived from recycled plastics, recycled PET fibres, rice bran-based silica, sunflower oil, and other bio-based chemicals. The company has already developed prototype tyres containing up to 80% sustainable materials, demonstrating the technical feasibility of significantly reducing reliance on conventional petrochemical feedstocks.
In addition to material innovation, Kumho is investing in technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of tyres throughout their lifecycle. Research areas include low rolling resistance tyres that improve fuel efficiency, low-wear compounds that reduce tyre particle emissions, quieter tread designs, and advanced recycling solutions that support a circular economy for end-of-life tyres.
The company’s Carbon Neutrality 2045 Roadmap also includes expanding renewable energy use across manufacturing facilities, increasing direct renewable power procurement, strengthening supplier decarbonisation initiatives, and implementing lifecycle-based product design. Kumho has aligned its climate targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and continues to integrate sustainability into its global manufacturing operations.
Kumho views sustainable material innovation as a key competitive advantage as automotive manufacturers and consumers increasingly demand environmentally responsible mobility solutions. The company believes that combining recycled materials, renewable resources, and advanced tyre engineering will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining product safety, durability, and performance.
As regulatory requirements and sustainability expectations continue to evolve worldwide, Kumho’s investment in sustainable tyre materials reinforces its commitment to supporting a low-carbon future. By accelerating the development of circular material technologies and environmentally friendly tyre solutions, the company aims to strengthen its position in the global tyre industry while contributing to a more sustainable mobility ecosystem.