Sustainable Tire Production Efforts

Continental is stepping up its use of renewable and recycled materials in making tires, aiming to boost this from 26% in 2024 to at least 40% within five years. The company encourages its suppliers to develop more sustainable materials and focuses on finding eco-friendly replacements for key tire components that ensure durability and performance.

They’re already using recycled steel, polyester made from old PET bottles, and sustainable manufacturing techniques like COKOON adhesion technology. Other innovations include synthetic rubber made from used cooking oil, resins from bio-waste, and silica sourced from rice husk ashes—all helping to make tires greener without sacrificing quality.

“We are not reinventing the wheel – but we are reinventing the tire, with more sustainable materials and more environmentally compatible production processes,” said Dr. Matthias Haufe, head of Material Development and Industrialization at Continental Tires. “It’s not just about the rubber, [...] We also focus on the materials that give the rubber its shape and make tires stable and safe. Recycled steel and polyester yarn made from recycled PET bottles are important for more sustainable tire production."

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