Kumho, Synthos to jointly develop bio-based raw materials for tires

Seoul - Kumho Tire and Synthos SA have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of sustainable raw materials for the production of tires.

At a ceremony in South Korea, the partners agreed to conduct joint R&D work for the production of neodymium-butadiene rubber (NdBR) using bio-butadiene, Synthos announced 1 Dec.

The two sides also agreed to expand the use of 'environmentally friendly' synthetic rubber in tire manufacturing, said the Polish group.

Kumho selected Synthos for the project as part of its efforts to advance the development of sustainable tires, the press statement continued.

“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,” said Synthos synthetic rubber R&D director Dr Malte Wohlfahrt.

According to Wohlfahrt, Kumho produced tires made from 55% sustainable raw materials in 2022 and has developed tires with 80% sustainable raw materials this year.

Kumho’s progress in producing low-carbon tires, combined with Synthos' expertise in sustainable SR will enable the shared goal of carbon-neutrality by 2050, Wohlfahrt added.