South Korea’s Hyosung Advanced Materials, SK Chemicals Co., and Hankook Tire & Technology have announced the commercialization of a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) tire called “ion,” which is made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials. This marks the first finished product tire for EVs that utilizes recycled PET.
The collaboration between the three companies spanned two years to develop and bring ion to market. SK Chemicals supplied the recycled PET, while Hyosung Advanced Materials developed high-strength tire cords from the material. These tire cords were then integrated into Hankook Tire’s EV tire brand.
The product is notable for containing 45% sustainable materials. Tire cords, which are fibrous reinforcements that maintain tire shape and withstand driving loads and impacts, are a key component of the ion tire.
The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus logo will be featured on the ion tire, highlighting its environmentally friendly credentials.
