Hankook Tire is exploring circular silica development from various sources proposed by Solvay
Hankook Tire announced it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Solvay Silica. They will jointly develop circular silica for tire manufacturing. This partnership aims to advance Hankook Tire sustainability and promote more sustainable tire production.
Hankook Tire formalized the agreement on Jan. 10 at the Hankook Technodome in Daejeon, South Korea. Senior leaders from both companies attended, including Bonhee Ku, President and CTO of Hankook Tire, and An Nuyttens, President of Silica and Special Chem at Solvay. The collaboration will focus on developing circular silica from various raw material sources.
Hankook Tire Addressing Challenges in Sustainable Raw Materials
Tire companies worldwide have used rice husk ash silica, derived from discarded rice husks, to increase sustainable raw materials. However, this method faces challenges like high costs and limited supply regions. Rice husks also cause logistical issues due to their high volumetric weight. This increases transportation costs. Hankook Tire is exploring circular silica development from various sources proposed by Solvay.
Progressing Towards Mass Production to Support Hankook Tire Sustainability
Hankook Tire and Solvay Silica say they aim for gradual mass production of circular silica. Sample evaluations are already in progress. This partnership will enhance Hankook’s contributions to circularity and sustainability across its plants.
