Hankook’s Creative Upcycling: From Tyre Waste to Longboards and More

Hankook makes over 100 million tyres every year, and instead of letting manufacturing and end-of-life waste go to landfills, it is giving materials a second life through imaginative upcycling.

Their R&D isn’t just about tyres—it’s about transformation. They’ve developed tyres with up to 81 percent recycled and renewable materials, and they’re pushing toward 100 percent. A standout product is the iON GT, an EV tyre composed of 77 percent ISCC PLUS–certified materials, the highest in the market.

But the creativity doesn’t stop there. Through their re:move programme, an upcycling collaboration with partners like Checkerspot and Helinox, Hankook is turning production waste into longboards, furniture, and outdoor gear. It’s a clever way to cut waste while creating useful, sustainable products.

For companies looking to follow Hankook’s lead, Intertek can help with ISCC Certification, ensuring materials meet the stringent sustainability and traceability requirements set by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification system. This support helps businesses verify their claims, strengthen supply chain integrity, and demonstrate real progress toward circular economy goals.

Hankook’s work shows that innovation, sustainability, and creativity can roll forward together—quite literally.