Kumho Tire, has chosen Synthos, a global producer of synthetic rubber, as a key partner in its sustainable development journey. The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a ceremony in South Korea, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of environmentally friendly tyre production.
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Under the MOU, the two companies will jointly develop Neodymium-Butadiene rubber (Nd-BR) using Bio-Butadiene, aiming to expand the use of sustainable synthetic rubber in tyre manufacturing. This partnership aligns with Kumho Tire’s ambitious sustainability goals, including the production of tyres made from 80% sustainable raw materials by the end of 2023 and a long-term vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Dr. Malte Wohlfahrt, R&D Director for Synthos Synthetic Rubber, highlighted the importance of collaboration in reducing the environmental impact of the tyre industry:
“We strongly believe that we have the best chance to contribute to net zero mobility if we can work together with industry leaders like Kumho Tire. Kumho’s impressive experience in developing tyres with a lower carbon footprint combined with Synthos’ extensive expertise in sustainable synthetic rubber will enable further carbon footprint reduction towards our shared goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Synthos has established itself as Europe’s largest producer of synthetic rubber, with a strong commitment to sustainability. The company’s ISCC+ certification for its entire synthetic rubber portfolio demonstrates its dedication to helping tyre manufacturers reduce their environmental impact.
With production facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland, Synthos brings a comprehensive range of innovative products to the partnership, including solution styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR), emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (E-SBR), and high and low cis polybutadiene rubber (Nd-BR, Ni-BR, Li-BR). The addition of recycled rubber powder further reinforces Synthos’ sustainability-focused roadmap.
The partnership between Kumho Tire and Synthos highlights the tyre industry’s shift towards sustainability and innovation. As Kumho continues to push the boundaries of sustainable tyre manufacturing, the integration of Synthos’ advanced synthetic rubber technologies will play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of tyres.
This collaboration is not only a milestone for the two companies but also a step forward for the entire industry in achieving net zero mobility and meeting global sustainability targets.
