SK Chemicals, Hyosung Advanced Materials, and Hankook Tire launch tires Vehicle Tire with bio-based silica

SK Chemicals, Hyosung Advanced Materials, and Hankook Tire have jointly developed an electric vehicle-exclusive tire, “iON,” using “circular recycled PET fiber tire cords.” This innovative tire incorporates 45% sustainable materials, including recycled polymers, bio-based silica, and circular PET-based tire cords. The companies have successfully commercialized this tire, marking a first in South Korea.

The circular recycling technology of SK Chemicals breaks down discarded plastics into molecular units, which are then used to produce recycled plastics. Hyosung Advanced Materials developed high-strength recycled PET-based tire cords using SK Chemicals’ circular recycled PET. These tire cords were applied to Hankook Tire’s premium electric vehicle tire brand, iON. The iON tire has passed stringent reliability verification by a European automotive manufacturer and is now approved for use in new vehicles.

Tire cords are essential for maintaining tire shape, withstanding load and impact during driving, and enhancing durability, driving performance, and ride comfort. Electric vehicles require durable tire cord materials with high strength to support the weight of batteries. SK Chemicals’ circular recycled PET, “SKYPET CR,” maintains high-quality properties and safety even after infinite recycling, offering properties equivalent to petrochemical-based materials.

This tire development highlights a collaborative effort between the chemical supplier, material company, and manufacturer, focusing on sustainability. The automotive industry is actively seeking sustainable materials derived from recycled or bio-based resources, aligning with the sustainability of fuel, including electric vehicles.

Hyunsuk Kim, the Head of the Business Development Division at SK chemicals, said, “This joint development is significant because it represents the achievement of collaboration towards building a circular economy connecting material producers, intermediate goods manufacturers, and final product production, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring the sustainability of materials and products,” and “We will continue to expand the use of recycled materials and strengthen cooperation with brand owners and various industries to ensure that such cases continue to emerge across different industries.”

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Share This Article