Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook has a clear vision for sustainability, taking a proactive approach to the environmental challenges in tyre manufacturing
Hankook invests in retreading for the future
The company invests across every stage of a tyre’s life—from sourcing sustainable raw materials to R&D focused on advanced materials, product performance, and new product development. Hankook also leads in the production of retreaded truck and bus tyres under the brand Alphatread, supporting more sustainable solutions for the commercial transport sector.
Jon Cottrell, UK Sales Manager Truck and Bus, commented; “Our business is firmly focused on sustainability at every stage of tyre development. By promoting retreading, Hankook delivers tyres that meet both the environmental and economic priorities of our customers. It is increasingly clear that single-use budget tyres are losing relevance, as more customers chose durable, cost-effective solutions that support long-term sustainability.”
Sustainable Solutions in the Commercial Vehicle Sector
Hankook is actively promoting sustainability in the truck and bus tyre market, where demand for high-quality retreaded tyres is growing. Rising cost pressures and environmental awareness are driving the adoption of retreads, which provide both economic and ecological benefits.
Through its SmartLife Solutions concept and partnership with one of the UK’s largest independent retread producers, Hankook offers fleets and dealers a cost-effective and sustainable option under the Alphatread brand.
- Performance: Alphatread hotcure retreads can deliver up to 100% of the mileage of a new tyre at around 70% of the cost.
- Extended service life: Following the SmartLife Solutions regrooving and retreading process, the service life of a new tyre can increase by up to 250%, reducing both natural resource use and fleet CO₂ emissions per vehicle.
- Commercial Value: Approximately 75% of a tyre’s cost lies in the casing structure, making reinvestment in retreading a sound commercial decision.
There has been a clear move by Hankook to incorporate retreading as part of its offer. Whilst Alphatread has been available for some time, the company commitment to retreading took a boost in 2018, when a five-year contract with Vaculug was signed to provide Alphatread retreading services in the UK and Ireland. This was then followed by the purchase of one of Germany’s largest retreaders, Reifen Mueller in 2022. These developments put Hankook firmly on the retread map and these, allied with its state-of-the-art production plant in Racálmás, Hungary receiving the ISCC PLUS Certification (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) in 2023, acknowledging its sustainable production practices shows a company with its eyes on continuing development and service to the European tyre sector.
The company has also earned multiple accolades, including the EcoVadis Gold medal (2024), recognition as one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies (TIME & Statista, 2024), and being named among the Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders 2024 by The Financial Times and Statista.
