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 Kumho Tires first to develop environmentally friendly Lyocell-based tyres
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Kumho Tires (CEO, Sae-chul Oh) has announced that it has developed new products which incorporate a new environmentally friendly material known as Lyocell for the first time. Used in the production of tyre cord for ultra-high performance (UHP) products, Lyocell can minimize environmentally hazardous materials produced during the manufacturing process. The first tyres incorporating the new material are to be released in Europe early in 2007.
The company has developed a process which employs Lyocell instead of rayon or polyester in the production of tyre cord, a reinforcing component used in the rubber to improve durability, steering and safety. The new Lyocell-based cord has a performance equal to or better than that of rayon cord and does not generate substances harmful to humans in the manufacturing process.
Kumho Tires has been focusing on the development of tyres with less weight, good fuel efficiency, longer life cycle, and low noise for some time and has implemented environmentally friendly management practices using state-of-the-art dust collection facilities and waste recycling equipment (Close & Reuse System).
The company says that it now plans to apply Lyocell cords to other tyres in mass production, thus further strengthening its commitment as an environmentally-aware manufacturer.
Kumho Tires was the first Korean tyre manufacturer to gain accreditation to ISO14001. It was also the first tyre maker to be awarded the Nordic Swan Eco-Label.
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