Continental Strengthens Supply Chain Sustainability as ContiTech Introduces Next-Generation PVC with Reduced Emissions

The new PVC formulation will be used in a wide range of Continental products in the future – including, for example, surface material for automotive seats.

(IN BRIEF) Continental is strengthening its sustainability efforts by transitioning the majority of its ContiTech PVC-based products to INEOS Inovyn’s CO₂-optimized NEOVYN™ PVC, which carries a 37% lower carbon footprint than conventional European-standard PVC. Supported by renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind, solar, and low-carbon hydrogen, the material enables significant emissions reductions without compromising production performance. Continental will introduce the new PVC formulation across a wide range of applications including hoses, conveyor belts, seals, and interior surface materials for vehicles and buildings. The shift is expected to cut emissions from Continental’s PVC range by approximately 31.5% compared with 2024 volumes. INEOS Inovyn’s NEOVYN™ PVC complies with ISCC PLUS certification, ensuring complete traceability of renewable and recycled inputs. The move forms part of Continental’s broader push to integrate more sustainable materials across its portfolio, enhance rubber recycling initiatives, and expand ISCC PLUS certifications across additional facilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANOVER, 13-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Continental is advancing its sustainability agenda with a major shift in materials sourcing, as the company’s ContiTech group sector prepares to transition most of its PVC-based portfolio to INEOS Inovyn’s CO₂-optimized NEOVYN™ PVC. This updated formulation delivers a substantially improved carbon footprint — around 37% lower than the European industry average for conventional PVC — thanks to targeted decarbonisation measures across INEOS Inovyn’s production footprint. Key contributors include the use of low-carbon hydrogen, hydropower, solar power, and wind energy, all of which support cleaner manufacturing at several European facilities.

The new PVC blend will progressively appear in a broad array of Continental applications. Among them are food-grade hoses, mining conveyor belts, fastening and sealing solutions for chemical and construction environments, as well as design and functional surfaces used across global transportation, marine, commercial, and residential settings. The formulation will also be integrated into surface materials for vehicle interiors, reinforcing its importance across Continental’s global supply chain.

PVC remains one of ContiTech’s most significant materials alongside rubber — valued for its versatility, shaping properties, and cost-efficient processing. As customers increasingly demand lower-emission products and greater transparency in supply chains, Continental is accelerating its shift toward materials with a smaller carbon footprint. “Decarbonization starts with the materials,” said Christian Dohmen, Head of Global Rubber & Chemicals Purchasing at ContiTech. “Using CO₂-optimized PVC from INEOS Inovyn allows us to move to lower-emission solutions that fit seamlessly into our series production. This is measurable progress in our material strategy and a clear signal to customers looking for climate-friendly and recyclable products.” Continental notes that, based on 2024 consumption, switching to NEOVYN™ alone will reduce emissions by roughly 31.5% compared with its previous PVC portfolio.

INEOS Inovyn’s improved environmental performance stems from extensive decarbonisation measures along its entire value chain. Production sites now rely on regionally available renewable energy — such as hydropower in Norway, North Sea wind, and a state-of-the-art solar array in Jemeppe, Belgium. Low-carbon hydrogen also plays a role in reducing emissions at the production stage. Additionally, the entire supply chain is certified under ISCC PLUS, ensuring audited mass balancing, transparent documentation, and full traceability of renewable or recycled raw materials entering the process. “Through NEOVYN™, we offer an advanced PVC solution that significantly lowers the CO₂ footprint and helps our customers reach their sustainability goals,” said Arnaud Valenduc, Business Director, INEOS Inovyn. “It is exciting to see a global company like Continental commit so clearly to environmentally responsible products.”

The adoption of NEOVYN™ PVC marks a significant step in Continental’s broader sustainability roadmap. Beyond PVC, the company is increasing the share of renewable and recycled compounds in its rubber formulations and pursuing new approaches to rubber recycling. Continental is also expanding ISCC PLUS certification across additional sites following early certifications at its Eislingen and Waltershausen facilities. The long-term goal is to embed more climate-optimized base materials directly into industrial-scale production and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable product lineup.

Media contact:

Angelika Anna Kohns
Media & PR Manager
ContiTech
+49 511 938-14022
+49 151 17240441
angelika.anna.kohns@continental.com

SOURCE: Continental AG