Continental Reduces CO₂ Footprint of PVC-Based Products

In addition to rubber, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is one of the key materials in the portfolio of Continental´s group sector ContiTech, which specializes in material-driven solutions. As a thermoplastic polymer, PVC is characterized by versatility, formability and economical processing. Accordingly, it is used in numerous industries.

Against the backdrop of increasing demands on the CO₂ balance of products and supply chains, the targeted use of materials with a reduced product carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important. "Decarbonization starts with the materials. With CO₂-optimized PVC from INEOS Inovyn, we are focusing specifically on lower-emission solutions that can be integrated into our series production without sacrificing quality," explains Christian Dohmen, who is responsible for global Rubber & Chemicals Purchasing at ContiTech. "This is measurable progress in our strategic use of materials and at the same time an expression of a more sustainable purchasing decision. By switching to the new PVC alone, we will achieve an emission reduction of around 31.5% in the future compared to the previous PVC range in relation to the quantities used in 2024. A clear signal to our customers, who are increasingly relying on more climate-friendly and recyclable products."

How INEOS Inovyn is reducing PVC's carbon footprint

The reduced product carbon footprint of NEOVYN^TM PVC supplied by INEOS Inovyn is based on a series of targeted decarbonisation measures along the entire value chain. A key lever is the consistent switch to renewable energies: The production sites use locally available sources such as hydropower from Norway, wind energy from the North Sea and a modern photovoltaic system in Jemeppe, Belgium. This is complemented by the use of low-carbon hydrogen. 

In addition, the entire supply chain is certified according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. The internationally recognized sustainability certification certifies compliance with and documentation of certain processes for the mass balancing of raw materials and ensures the traceability of the renewable and recycled raw materials used. 

“Through NEOVYN™, we are providing our customers with an advanced PVC solution that significantly reduces the CO₂ footprint and helps them achieve their sustainability goals. It is exciting to see global companies like Continental make such a strong and clear commitment to environmentally responsible products, demonstrating our shared ambition to deliver low carbon solutions" says Arnaud Valenduc, Business Director INEOS Inovyn.

Next steps for more sustainable materials at Continental

With the use of NEOVYN™ PVC, Continental has reached an important milestone on the way to more sustainable material use. The focus is not only on PVC, but also on other materials that can contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions through the use of renewable energies and recyclable raw materials. For example, Continental is also working on increasing the proportion of renewable and recycled raw materials in its rubber compounds and on further developing innovative solutions in the field of rubber recycling. The aim is to integrate further basic materials with an improved CO₂ footprint into series production in the future. Another step in this direction: In the industrial sector, Continental has so far achieved ISCC PLUS certification for its Eislingen and Waltershausen sites, with additional locations to follow.