Beontag, a global smart tag solutions provider, has partnered with Kumho Tire to embed its RFID-based TireTag into new tyre lines for both commercial and consumer markets. The move supports digital product traceability across the full tyre lifecycle and positions Kumho to meet upcoming EU sustainability regulations, including Digital Product Passports (DPPs).
The strategic partnership between Kumho Tire and Beontag will see the deployment of RFID technology in Kumho’s next generation of tyres. The TireTag device enables comprehensive digital traceability — from manufacturing and distribution to end-of-life recovery — enhancing Kumho’s readiness for stricter environmental compliance.
Kumho Tire, a leading South Korean tyre manufacturer, produces a wide range of tyres for electric vehicles, passenger cars, commercial trucks, and motorsport applications. The company has been exploring RFID integration since 2013. The addition of Beontag’s latest TireTag platform marks a major step toward industrial-scale deployment of smart tyre solutions.
The collaboration follows extensive R&D and reliability testing. Beontag and Kumho confirmed that the embedded RFID tags withstand prolonged exposure to high pressure and temperatures — conditions typical of both consumer vehicles and heavy-duty fleet usage.
These durability benchmarks ensure the tags remain functional throughout the tyre’s lifespan, making them viable for broad adoption across market segments, including demanding EV and commercial applications.
Crucially, the RFID integration supports compliance with the EU’s proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which will introduce Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for tyres between 2028 and 2030. These digital records will provide essential environmental and lifecycle data to support circular economy goals.
By embedding RFID tags at the point of manufacture, Kumho can offer traceable, regulation-ready tyres — a significant advantage in futureproofing its product lines for Europe and other regions likely to adopt similar frameworks.
This collaboration reflects the tyre sector’s growing focus on smart technology integration and sustainability-led innovation. As RFID and digital product passports become more mainstream, connected tyres will play a critical role in fleet management, recycling initiatives, and regulatory compliance, particularly for EV and commercial vehicle sectors where traceability and operational data are increasingly essential.
Sign up for our weekly briefing on key developments across the sector.