Continental launches eco-friendly tyre

CONTINENTAL has become the first tyre manufacturer to launch a series production tyre combining up to a 65 per share of renewable and recycled materials, with the remainder sourced from International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus-certified materials.

Offered initially in 19 sizes to suit a variety of popular combustion and electric vehicle models, the UltraContact NXT tyre range is said to provide maximum safety and performance, and the highest ‘A’ category of rolling resistance, wet braking and exterior noise specifications available.

The Continental UltraContact NXT will go on sale in Europe from July before making its way to other markets.

According to the manufacturer, the UltraContact NXT utilises renewable materials including bio-based silica made from agricultural waste, resins based on residual materials from paper and wood production, silicate sourced from the ash of rice husks, recycled rubber from mechanically processed end-of-life tyres (ELTs), recycled steel, and polyester fibres derived from recycled PET bottles.

The balance of materials, sourced from ISCC Plus certified producers, include sustainable synthetic rubber and carbon black made from bio-based and/or circular feedstock.

Like many big-name tyre producers, Continental is aiming for fully circular operations in tyre production by 2050, and says it is working tirelessly to advance innovative technologies and sustainable products and services throughout the entire value chain.

By the end of this decade, Continental aims to have over 40 per cent renewable and recycled content in its tyres and says the UltraContact NXT is an important step on that path.

“At Continental, safety, performance, and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Continental EMEA business area executive, Ferdinand Hoyos.

“With the UltraContact NXT, we deliver on our ambitious sustainability goals. This development represents a significant leap forward and demonstrates our technological leadership as well as our strong commitment to both sustainability and safety.”