Conti to boost share of sustainable materials in tire production

Hanover, Germany – Continental AG is increasing the use of renewable and recycled materials in its tire production this year, the German group announced 5 June.

The share of such materials averaged 26% across Continental’s tires in 2024 and in 2025, the group expects this figure to rise by a further “two to three percentage points.”

The higher sustainability rate will be driven by the use of synthetic rubber from renewable or circular oils, recycled PET-based polyester, recycled steel, and fillers such as silica derived from rice husk ash, according to Continental.

“We are systematically increasing the share of renewable and recycled materials in our raw material portfolio,” said Jorge Almeida of Continental Tires.

“In five years, we aim to surpass the 40% mark,” said the head of sustainability at tires division.

A key tool to reach the 40% mark will be the use of mass balance approach, according to Continental. 

The mass balance approach is a chain-of-custody system that allows certified and non-certified materials to be mixed during production, while tracking the allocation of sustainable inputs through bookkeeping.

The system enables Continental to manage ISSC+ certified sustainable raw materials across its global production network and supports suppliers in scaling up new technologies.

Certified materials include synthetic rubber and carbon blacks derived from bio-based or circular feedstocks, according to the German manufacturer.

Four of Continental’s plants – Lousado (Portugal), Hefei (China), Puchov (Slovakia), and Korbach (Germany) – have received ISCC certification.

In terms of sourcing natural rubber as a key component, Continental said it has adopted a “holistic” responsible sourcing strategy that combines digital tools, local engagement and risk mapping.

The company is also expanding its use of polyester from recycled PET bottles, using its ContiRe.Tex technology. The process avoids intermediate chemical steps and has been in use since 2022.

Recycled steel from scrap metal is now being used for bead cores and casing reinforcements, while silica from rice husk ash is replacing conventional quartz-based fillers.

Continental will also continue to replace adhesives and additives with more sustainable options, including Cokoon, a formaldehyde- and resorcinol-free textile coating, in use since 2019.

Furthermore, the tire maker is introducing bio-based alternatives for heat- and oxidation-resistant additives used during vulcanisation.