[2025 Green Mobility] Kumho Tire Develops Eco-Friendly Tires That Reduce Fine Dust

Mobility Innovation Award
Minister of Environment Prize

Kumho Tire is leading the eco-friendly tire industry by developing low-wear, low-carbon tires that reduce fine dust and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The 'WATTRUN VS31' tire developed by Kumho Tire using eco-friendly technology has secured the highest competitiveness in its product category with a wear performance index of 560. It also received a first-grade rating for fuel efficiency performance to reduce greenhouse gases (CO2) and braking performance to ensure safety. Compared to existing products, its weight was reduced by 30%, saving resources, and the use of zinc oxide was cut to less than half, minimizing environmental impact.

Kumho Tire Central Research Institute. Provided by Kumho Tire

In tire technology development, wear performance and fuel efficiency performance have a trade-off relationship. It is a very difficult task to improve wear performance while satisfying the first-grade energy efficiency rating. To overcome this, Kumho Tire newly created synthetic rubber that simultaneously improves wear and fuel efficiency performance. Additionally, by utilizing highly dispersed, high-strength fillers, wear and fuel efficiency performance were enhanced, and a lightweight, high-strength structure was applied to reduce the weight by more than 30% compared to existing products.

Moreover, when designing tire structures and patterns, Kumho Tire developed pattern design technology using performance prediction tools that can simultaneously improve wear, fuel efficiency, and braking performance. Improved wear performance reduces fine dust generation, and better fuel efficiency increases vehicle mileage, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Kumho Tire Eco-Friendly Tire Brand Inobui. Provided by Kumho Tire

Solar power facility installed at Kumho Tire Gwangju Plant. Photo by Kumho Tire

The eco-friendly tire market is continuously growing due to greenhouse gas reduction regulations worldwide, including the European Union. Along with the growth of the eco-friendly vehicle market, the eco-friendly tire market is also expected to expand. Until last year, eco-friendly tires accounted for only 5% of the total tire market, but this year, their sales are expected to exceed 10%.

It is also beneficial from the consumer's perspective. Although eco-friendly tire products are 10-15% more expensive than regular products, considering the tire replacement cycle and fuel savings, they are much more economical. They contribute to environmental protection by reducing fine dust and fuel consumption.

Eco-friendly tire product image of Kumho Tire. Provided by Kumho Tire

A comparison of Kumho Tire's eco-friendly tire performance by the Korea Automotive Technology Institute showed that fuel costs per vehicle decreased by approximately 48,900 KRW per 12,000 km compared to using regular tires. Additionally, the greenhouse gas reduction effect was measured at 50,204 g per vehicle, which is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by 12 kg of pine trees over one year.

Kumho Tire ESG image. Provided by Kumho Tire