In an era in which our ecological footprint matters more than ever, we stand at the forefront of sustainability development in the tyre industry. Our ambition isn't just to meet the standards - it's to redefine them. We understand that a commitment to sustainability isn't just good for the planet, it's also good for business. A green direction is the only direction, bringing forth innovative solutions that align with both the world's needs and the market's demands.
Dive into the world of tyre development with us. Learn about our advanced capabilities of tyre production that are driving change and reimagining what's possible. From raw materials to the final product, our cutting-edge technology enables us to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and still deliver a product that performs to the highest standards.
And what's next? Our vision of the future is bold and bright - a future where a 100% sustainable tyre is no longer just a dream, but a reality. With research and development, innovative design, and a deep commitment to sustainability, we are paving the way for an entirely new generation of tyres.
The future starts here. Explore, learn, and join us as we shape a more sustainable future for the tyre industry. Because we're not just about making tyres, we're about making a difference.
"Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat."
Steve Jobs, Founder and CEO of Apple
The heart of the automotive industry: Picture this: you're driving down the highway, and you suddenly notice a car in the lane next to you that looks unlike anything you've ever seen before. It's sleek, it's modern, and it's packed with innovative features that make your current car feel like a relic of the past. Innovation has always been at the heart of the automotive industry, driving the development of new technologies and designs that push the boundaries of what's possible. From hybrid and electric engines to advanced driver-assist systems, the world of cars is constantly evolving to meet the needs and desires of today's drivers.
One area where innovation has made a significant impact is in the realm of safety. Features such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control have helped to make driving safer than ever before. Additionally, advancements in materials and manufacturing have led to stronger and more durable cars that are better equipped to withstand impact. Another area of innovation in the car industry is in the realm of sustainability.
Efficiency: From hybrid and electric engines to more efficient manufacturing processes, automakers are finding new ways to reduce their carbon footprint and create a more environmentally friendly product. But perhaps the most exciting area of innovation in the car industry is in the realm of autonomous driving. Self-driving cars have the potential to revolutionize the way we travel, making it safer and more efficient than ever before.
While there are still many challenges to overcome before fully autonomous cars become a reality, the industry is making significant strides in this direction. In conclusion, the car industry is constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. From safety to sustainability to autonomous driving, there's no shortage of exciting developments on the horizon. By keeping up with the latest advancements and choosing cars that incorporate these innovations, we can all enjoy a safer, more sustainable, and more exciting driving experience.
Sustainable tyres are pivotal for several reasons. They not only contribute to environmental preservation but also align with a growing consumer demand for sustainable products, ultimately paving the way for a new era in the automotive industry.
Traditional tyres are produced from materials that can be harmful to the environment, both in their production and disposal. A tyre's lifecycle from manufacture, use, to disposal results in significant CO2 emissions. Sustainable tyres are developed using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes that reduce these emissions.
Sustainable tyres often incorporate recycled materials or renewable resources. For instance, several companies are experimenting with bio-sourced materials like natural rubber, bio-oils, or even recycled tyres. This approach contributes to a circular economy, reducing the dependence on non-renewable resources.
Traditional tyres, when discarded, contribute to landfills or are burned, causing pollution. A sustainable tyre, designed with end-of-life in mind, can be more efficiently recycled, repurposed, or safely decomposed, reducing the tyre waste problem.
With the rise of eco-consciousness, more consumers are demanding environmentally friendly products. Sustainable tyres align with this shift, providing manufacturers with a competitive edge.
Many countries are implementing stricter environmental regulations, pushing industries towards greener practices. Transitioning to sustainable tyres can help companies stay ahead of these regulations.
Creating the tyre of the future isn't just an aspiration, it's a reality that's taking shape right now. By harnessing the power of renewable, recycled and mass balance certified materials such as resins based on residual materials from the paper and wood industries, silicate from the ash of rice husks, natural rubber, ContiRe.Tex technology: recycled PET bottles, sustainable synthetic rubber and carbon black made from biobased, bio-circular and/or circular feedstock.
As it stands, the UltraContact NXT has an up to 65%* share of recycled, renewable, and certified material. Up to 37 percent of the materials are recycled or renewed. Furthermore, we sourced an amount of up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance approach certified materials from bio-based, bio-circular and/or circular feedstock used in the rubber compound and tread.
We're also stepping up our recycling game, with PET plastic bottles being processed and reintegrated into new tyre production, contributing to a robust circular economy. In fact, the steel reinforcing our tyres is now largely drawn from recycled sources, ensuring the strength and durability you've come to expect, but with a significantly reduced environmental impact.
Resins based on residual materials from the paper and wood industries, are also entering the tyre manufacturing equation, proving that we can match performance with sustainability. Used in tyres, resins allow highly flexible compounds to improve the material’s grip.
The reality is, we're already more than halfway there. A whopping 65%* of the UltraContact NXT are crafted from these eco-friendly materials, and we're committed to pushing that figure higher. We're innovating, progressing, and relentlessly pursuing a future where 100% sustainable tyres are the norm, not the exception. This isn't just the future of tyre manufacturing, it's the future of our planet.
* Exact percentage depending on tyre size. The UltraContact NXT contains 37 % recycled and renewable material. Furthermore, Continental sourced an amount of 28 % mass balance approach certified materials from bio-based, bio-circular and/or circular feedstock.
Sustainable mobility is pivotal for several reasons, ranging from environmental health to social equity and economic vitality. Here are a few key reasons why sustainable mobility is of paramount importance:
Environmental Sustainability: Conventional forms of transportation contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, leading to climate change. Sustainable mobility solutions, like electric vehicles, carpooling, or improved public transit, can help reduce these emissions, aiding in the fight against global warming. Additionally, sustainable mobility helps to improve air quality, reducing health risks associated with air pollution.
Economic Efficiency: Sustainable transportation often focuses on optimizing resource usage, which can lead to significant cost savings over time. For instance, electric vehicles, despite having higher upfront costs, have lower operating costs than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Similarly, investing in public transportation infrastructure can lead to long-term economic benefits by reducing congestion, improving productivity, and supporting local economies
Social Equity: Sustainable mobility ensures that all people have access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation options, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This enhances the quality of life by providing better access to opportunities, services, and social interactions.
Urban Planning and Public Health: A focus on sustainable mobility often encourages smarter urban planning, with emphasis on walkability and cycle-friendly routes. This can lead to more active, healthier lifestyles, reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues related to sedentary lifestyles.
Resource Conservation: By promoting more efficient use of vehicles and fuel, sustainable mobility helps to conserve valuable resources. This is especially important in an era of increasing resource scarcity and rising fuel prices.
In conclusion, sustainable mobility is not merely a matter of environmental stewardship. It's a holistic approach that encompasses health, economic stability, social equality, and the overall quality of life. Embracing sustainable mobility is therefore crucial in creating a resilient, equitable, and prosperous future.
Old tyres can be repurposed and recycled in a myriad of creative and beneficial ways, contributing to the circular economy and reducing environmental waste. Here are a few examples:
Old tyres can be converted into tyre-derived fuel. They are shredded and used in industrial facilities such as power plants and cement kilns where they burn cleaner and at a higher heating value than coal.
Tyres can be processed into crumb rubber, which can then be used in various applications, including the manufacturing of new tyres, playground surfaces, equestrian mats, and synthetic turf fields. It can also be incorporated into asphalt for road construction, leading to quieter and more durable roads.
Shredded tyres can be used in civil engineering projects such as road and landfill construction. They provide excellent insulation, drainage, and resilience properties, making them suitable for a range of engineering applications.
Ground-up tyres can be used as a component in rubberised asphalt, resulting in quieter, more durable roadways. Additionally, they can be used as a garden mulch which doesn't decompose and helps retain moisture in the soil.
Old tyres are often used as protection walls in motor sports, using old tyres as barriers in motorsports can be a cost-effective solution, especially in racing series that require multiple sets of tyres. By utilizing old tyres as barriers, organizers can save costs by not having to purchase new tyres. In addition, reusing old tyres as barriers in motorsports helps reduce the amount of tyre waste. This environmentally friendly practice contributes to the sustainability of the sport but indeed motorsports itself needs to develop and become more sustainable in the future.
Integrating sustainability into your lifestyle can begin right within your home. Small adjustments like switching to energy-saving LED lights, unplugging devices when not in use, or tweaking your thermostat settings can significantly reduce your energy consumption.
When it comes to transportation, consider sustainable options such as walking, biking, using public transit, or opting for hybrid or electric vehicles when necessary. Even the choice to carpool can play a part in reducing carbon emissions.
Adopt a mantra of 'reduce, reuse, recycle' to curb waste generation. Borrow, reuse, or purchase used items before buying new. Limit your waste by recycling, composting, and choosing products with minimal packaging. Be mindful that reducing consumption is often the most effective way to minimise waste.
Revisit your eating habits as well. Incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet and opting for locally-sourced, organic animal products when necessary can contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. Also, be vigilant about minimising food waste.
When shopping, lend your support to sustainable and ethical brands. Look for products with certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance. Small changes in water usage, like turning off the tap while brushing or taking shorter showers, can contribute to significant water conservation.
Finally, if you have the space, consider greening your surroundings by planting a vegetable garden or a few herbs in your windowsill. This not only provides you with fresh produce but also contributes to a healthier environment. Through these simple yet effective steps, you can weave sustainability into the fabric of your everyday life.
Every step in our daily lives, no matter how small, can be a starting point for embracing sustainability and contributing to a healthier, more resilient planet.
Start your journey with the UltraContact NXT tyre which is based on and inspired by our popular Continental UltraContact. The suffix “NXT” symbolises the importance of the product as a milestone for Continental in the future of tyre development and mobility.
Depending on its tyre size, the UltraContact NXT is made from up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and mass balance certified materials. Renewable materials stand up to 32 percent. The proportion of recyclable materials is up to five percent. Furthermore, Continental sourced an amount of up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance approach certified materials from bio, bio-circular and/or circular feedstock.
The already presented innovative ContiRe.Tex technology has also been adopted for the UltraContact NXT. It generates high-performance polyester fibres used to reinforce the tyre carcass through recycling PET bottles, which otherwise would have ended up in incinerators or landfills.
The tyre also contains, for the first time, rice husks, used as source material for sustainably produced silica.
We never compromise on safety with our products. With the UltraContact NXT, we have not only significantly increased the proportion of recycled & renewable materials, but also the performance values: All sizes of the UltraContact NXT have a Triple A rating in the EU tyre label and thus the best value in rolling resistance, wet braking and rolling noise. The UltraContact, the basis of our UltraContact NXT, is our flagship product for mileage performance within our product portfolio. The integration of recycled and renewable materials has no impact on this mileage.
Considering the availability of alternative raw materials and current technical possibilities, a tyre with 100 % renewable and recycled materials is not yet possible. Our development engineers and material experts are working hard to improve the sustainability of our products every day. We are always trying to achieve the maximum of what is possible in terms of technology and availability. The overall goal of Continental is to be the most progressive tyre manufacturer in this area.
