Jorge Almeida

What renewable materials are now being used in tire production and are also used in the new Conti Urban HA 5 NXT?

These include, for example, synthetic rubber obtained from renewable or circular oil, polyester from recycled PET, recycled steel, and innovative fillers such as silica, which is produced from rice husk ash. Silica and carbon black play a crucial role in this transition, as they account for a large proportion of the raw materials used in tire production alongside rubber. Both are fillers that make the rubber, for example in the tread, resistant and are also responsible for essential tire properties such as grip and braking performance.

Silica can be obtained from rice husks instead of quartz sand. The husks are an agricultural by-product that is produced, for example, in the manufacture of risotto rice. Carbon black offers great potential on the road to more sustainable tires. Accounting for up to 20 percent of the total weight of a passenger car tire, it is one of the most important fillers in tire production. Continental is focusing on three innovative processes.

To what extent is the mass balance approach a key driver of this transformation? 

The mass balance approach involves mixing fossil, renewable, and recycled raw materials in existing systems and processes. The quantities used are tracked along the entire value chain and can thus be allocated proportionally at any time. The mass balance approach enables Continental to gradually increase the proportion of recycled and renewable materials in its products. It ensures that the proportion of certified recycled and renewable materials can be accurately reported.

Does the mass balance approach also have advantages for Continental's suppliers?

Yes, definitely. It allows us to continuously increase the proportion of renewable and recycled materials in our tires while enabling our suppliers to introduce and ramp up new technologies for a sustainable transformation. Since this process is certified by ISCC, an internationally recognized certification system, our partners benefit from a transparent and traceable framework. This creates trust, reduces complexity, and promotes cooperation along the entire supply chain.

Which mass balance certified materials is Continental using up to date?

These include synthetic rubber and carbon black obtained from bio-based, bio-circular, and/or circular raw materials. These materials are integrated into production using the mass balance approach, enabling a gradual transition to more sustainable raw material sources.

To what extent is Continental driving forward research into more sustainable materials?

Absolutely. And we're not just talking about recycled and renewable materials here. We are pursuing a holistic approach to improving the sustainability of our products along the entire value chain. This starts with the responsible sourcing of materials and extends to the recycling of end-of-life tires.

The use of more sustainable materials is one thing. What further steps is Continental taking to achieve its sustainability goals?

We take a holistic approach to achieving our own sustainability goals. Our focus lies on our entire portfolio. A key lever is the development of tires that reduce energy consumption and thus CO₂ emissions from vehicles through optimized rolling resistance – without compromising on safety or performance. At the same time, we are pushing ahead with the conversion of our production sites to climate-neutral processes, for example through the increased use of renewable energies and energy-efficient technologies. 

Another focus is on the economy, is that correct?

Yes, we are heavily supporting innovative recycling processes to recover materials such as rubber, steel, and textiles from used tires. Also, we are promoting retreading in the commercial vehicle sector. Digital solutions also play an important role – for example, through intelligent tire management systems that enable more efficient use and longer service life. In addition, we are actively working to ensure transparent and responsible supply chains. We pay particular attention to the sustainable sourcing of natural rubber. In close cooperation with our partners, we ensure that ecological and social standards are met along our entire value chain. Our ambition is to develop more sustainable products and actively contribute to the transformation of the automotive industry.

How does Continental increase the sustainability of its tires during their service life, with regard to criteria such as abrasion, fuel consumption, and CO₂ emissions?

In line with our commitment to promoting innovative technologies and sustainable solutions across the entire value chain, we remain clearly focused on achieving clean and safe mobility during the service life of tires. We deliver this through rolling resistance-optimized, robust, energy-efficient, durable, and retreadable tires. With the Conti Urban HA 5 NXT for buses and the UltraContact NXT for passenger cars, we are adding the most sustainable tire in our history to our tire portfolio. Take our new Conti Urban HA 5 NXT city bus tire, for example, which contains up to 60 percent renewable, recycled, and ISCC PLUS mass balance-certified materials. For greater energy efficiency, rolling resistance has been reduced by up to 25 percent. An increased range of electric vehicles up to 15 percent, which supports more efficient fleet operation. Lower CO₂ emissions and reduced rolling noise contribute to quieter, more livable cities.

What about the overall energy consumption in Continental's tire production?

We rely on renewable energies worldwide and are continuously increasing our own production by expanding photovoltaic systems at our production sites. At the same time, we are pushing ahead with numerous projects to make our operations even more energy efficient. In 2024 alone, we were able to reduce our global energy consumption by around 50 gigawatt hours through more than 80 energy-saving projects – equivalent to the annual energy requirements of over 4,000 single-family homes in Germany. Together with the savings from 2023, this results in a total reduction of around 200 gigawatt hours. Many Continental plants are thus making an important contribution to the implementation of our climate protection strategy. Since the end of 2020, we have been sourcing electricity for our tire production facilities worldwide exclusively from renewable sources – climate-neutral and certified by guarantees of origin in accordance with the criteria of the RE100 initiative. In addition, we generate green electricity directly on site by operating our own photovoltaic systems in our tire factories.

_{* The share may vary between 55% up to 60%. The Conti Urban HA 5 NXT contains 32%-34% recycled and renewable materials, including recycled rubber and natural rubber. Furthermore, Continental sourced 22%-26% of ISCC PLUS-certified materials via the mass balance approach from bio, bio-circular, and/or circular feedstock.}

_{** The ISCC PLUS standard supports the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy. This voluntary certification standard validates the sustainability characteristics of alternative feedstocks throughout the entire supply chain, from origin to end consumer.}