CONTINENTAL

Brand presented its most sustainable tire to date

The tire, which contains up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and recyclable materials, combines a remarkably high proportion of sustainable materials with maximum safety and performance. Continental is the first manufacturer to begin mass production of car tires made from sustainable materials and with maximum performance according to the EU tire label. All 19 available sizes have earned the highest possible (“A”) rating for rolling resistance, wet braking and external noise. The UltraContact NXT will be available to European tire dealers this July.

“At Continental, safety, performance and environmental awareness go hand in hand. UltraContact NXT plays an important role in achieving our ambitious sustainability goals. This development represents a significant step forward and demonstrates our leadership in technology and our strong commitment to sustainability and safety.”

– said Ferdinand Hoyos, director of Continental’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) tire supply business. He added:

“With its impressive performance, UltraContact NXT takes sustainability to a new level.”

Depending on the tire size, the UltraContact NXT is made from up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and recyclable materials. Renewable materials account for 32 percent and recyclable materials for up to 5 percent. In addition, Continental procured up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS certified materials from organic, bio-recyclable and/or circular raw materials.

The tire also contains a bio-based material produced from agricultural waste...32 percent of UltraContact NXT is made up of renewable materials. This includes resins based on paper and wood industry residues, which, when used in tires, enable the production of extremely flexible compounds, improving the adhesion of the material. UltraContact NXT also contains silicate from rice husk ash, which is an agricultural waste product that can be converted into silicon dioxide using a new, less energy-intensive process. The material helps to optimize adhesion, rolling resistance and tire life. As in all tires, natural rubber is one of the most important components of the UltraContact NXT. Due to its outstanding strength and durability, it provides the highest level of performance, so its use remains indispensable.

Sustainable synthetic rubber and carbon black are also recyclable materials...For the UltraContact NXT, Continental uses up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS certified recyclable materials: bio-based, bio-cycle and/or cycle-sustainable synthetic rubber, as well as carbon black. The former is one of the important performance-determining components of modern passenger car tires, as its properties can be adapted specifically to the way of application and use. And carbon black is used to optimize stability, strength and durability in rubber compounds. The ISCC PLUS certificate ensures transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain by tracing the origin and characteristics of raw materials. It also checks compliance with sustainable criteria and certifies finished products.

Continental aims to become the most progressive tire manufacturer...Continental works tirelessly to develop innovative technologies and sustainable products and services throughout its entire value chain, from the procurement of environmentally friendly materials to the recycling of used tires. The premium tire manufacturer aims for the renewable and recycled content of all its newly produced products to exceed 40 percent by 2030, and to reach 100 percent by 2050. The UltraContact NXT is an important step towards achieving these ambitious goals and making Continental the most progressive tire manufacturer as defined in the Vision 2030 strategic program.

Available for many car models and all drive types...The UltraContact NXT is a new member of the successful UltraContact family introduced by Continental in 2022: the 19 new sizes replace the previous UltraContact sizes. The product will be gradually introduced in Europe, the first units will be available to tire dealers on the continent in July this year. The UltraContact NXT is designed for both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. Continental’s most sustainable series-produced tire to date – which therefore bears the EV Compatible logo – and is also compatible with popular models such as the Kia Niro, VW ID.3, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Tesla Model 3, Audi Q4 E- TRON, Skoda Octavia, VW Golf 8, Audi A3 and many other models.

by Teckrata