Continental Drives Sustainability Forward with Recycled PET Bottles in Tire Production

Continental Drives Sustainability Forward with Recycled PET Bottles in Tire Production

(IN BRIEF) Continental is expanding the use of recycled polyester yarn made from PET bottles in its tire production, increasing the average recycled material content by three percent across many tire lines. This innovation, driven by the company’s ContiRe.Tex technology, demonstrates that sustainability can align with high-performance standards. Plants in Germany, France, Portugal, and the Czech Republic are now incorporating this recycled material, with up to 15 PET bottles utilized per tire. As part of its sustainability goals, Continental aims to reach over 40 percent renewable and recycled material content in its tires by 2030 and achieve fully sustainable tire production by 2050, exploring alternative raw materials such as dandelion rubber and agricultural waste.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANOVER, 28-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Continental is accelerating its efforts to enhance sustainability in tire manufacturing by incorporating recycled materials into its production processes. Recent advancements include the adoption of polyester fabric derived from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in additional manufacturing facilities. This move has increased the proportion of recycled materials in many tire lines by an average of three percent, with up to 15 PET bottles repurposed for each tire, depending on size. This initiative reflects Continental’s commitment to conserving valuable resources while maintaining high-performance standards.

The company first unveiled its proprietary ContiRe.Tex technology in 2021, a groundbreaking method that transforms PET bottles into durable polyester yarn without intermediate chemical processing. This innovative material, which can endure the rigorous demands of tire construction, ensures that sustainability does not compromise safety or performance.

Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability at Continental Tires, emphasized the significance of this approach: “Reduce, reuse, recycle – this trio is key to more sustainable tires. We aim to incorporate recycled materials wherever possible, ensuring they meet our stringent quality requirements. Our recycled polyester yarn is as robust as conventional alternatives, underscoring the harmony between sustainability, performance, and safety.”

The application of ContiRe.Tex technology began on a small scale in 2022 at plants in Lousado, Portugal, and Otrokovice, Czech Republic. Recently, production facilities in Korbach, Germany, and Sarreguemines, France, joined the initiative, integrating recycled PET into series production. This transition marks a pivotal step in Continental’s long-term sustainability strategy, which aims to achieve over 40 percent renewable and recycled material content in its tires by 2030. By this milestone, all new car and light truck tires will exclusively feature high-performance polyester fibers from sustainable PET.

Currently, a typical passenger tire from Continental contains between 15 and 20 percent renewable and recycled materials. Recycled PET fibers offer exceptional tensile strength, toughness, and temperature stability, making them a viable alternative to conventional crude oil-derived polyester. These qualities ensure the same level of reliability in tire construction while reducing environmental impact. Continental is also exploring bio-based and chemically recycled PET as part of its comprehensive sustainability goals.

Looking Ahead: 2050 Vision for 100% Sustainable Tires

Continental’s ambition extends far beyond the immediate future. The company is diligently working to phase out raw materials sourced from non-renewable origins, aiming for 100 percent sustainable materials in all new tires by 2050. Key innovations in this endeavor include utilizing agricultural byproducts, such as rice husk ash, natural rubber from dandelions, and recycled rubber. These materials, alongside advancements in recycled PET technologies, signify the company’s dedication to transforming tire production into an environmentally friendly process.

By taking these decisive steps, Continental is not only addressing the environmental challenges of today but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future in the automotive industry.

Media Contacts:

Laura Averbeck
Communications Manager Sustainability
Continental Tires
+49 511 938-23614
laura.averbeck@conti.de

Henry Schniewind
Head of External Communications
Continental Tires
+49 511 938-21810
henry.schniewind@conti.de

SOURCE: Continental