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Tyres NorthzmptonContinental is expanding the use of sustainable materials in its tyres, taking significant strides towards sustainability. The company has introduced polyester fabric made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in additional tyre production plants. This innovation has increased the average recycled content in many tyre lines by three percent. Depending on the tyre size, up to 15 PET bottles are recycled for each tyre.
By substituting conventional materials with recycled polyester, Continental conserves valuable resources. This initiative is part of the company’s ContiRe.Tex technology, unveiled in late 2021. PET bottles that would otherwise go unrecycled are spun directly into polyester yarn without intermediate chemical processing, ensuring the material meets the unique demands of tyre production.
“Reduce, reuse, recycle – this trio is key to more sustainable tyres,” states Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability at Continental Tyres. “Wherever possible, we integrate recycled materials without compromising our high-quality standards. Our polyester yarn made from recycled PET bottles is just as durable as conventional polyester, demonstrating that sustainability, performance, and safety can coexist.”
This innovative technology has been in use since 2022 in Continental's tyre plants in Lousado, Portugal, and Otrokovice, Czech Republic. Recently, the plants in Korbach, Germany, and Sarreguemines, France, have also adopted the technology for mass production.
Continental’s ambition is to increase the share of renewable and recycled materials in its tyres to over 40% by 2030. By this time, all new car and light truck tyres will feature high-performance polyester fibres made from sustainable PET. Currently, conventional passenger tyres contain approximately 15–20% recycled and renewable materials.
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High-quality polyester yarn from recycled PET bottles replaces materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators. These recycled materials are essential for tyre production, providing the strength, flexibility, and durability necessary for road safety.
Recycled PET matches the tensile strength, toughness, and temperature stability of conventional polyester fabrics made from crude oil. Continental is also exploring bio-based and chemically recycled PET as additional sustainable options. The company aims to ensure all polyester used in its tyre production is converted to sustainable alternatives by 2030.
Looking further ahead, Continental has set an ambitious goal: by 2050, all new tyres will be made entirely from sustainable materials. This involves integrating alternative raw materials into tyre construction, including agricultural waste like rice husk ash, rubber derived from dandelions, recycled rubber, and PET bottles.
Step by step, Continental is reducing its reliance on traditional raw materials and moving towards an entirely sustainable production process.