Continental presents the most sustainable tyre with an A energy label

Continental has marked a turning point in the automotive sector with the launch of its new flagship tyre, the UltraContact NXT, at its Lousado, Portugal plant. With an unwavering focus on sustainability, this summer tyre stands out as the most environmentally friendly the company has produced to date, incorporating up to 65% renewable materials, recycled and certified ISCC PLUS.

Continental’s commitment to a greener future is reflected in the development of this tyre, which not only guarantees greater safety and performance, but also meets the most demanding standards on the EU tyre label in terms of rolling resistance, wet braking and external noise. Sustainability does not compromise performance; on the contrary, the two are combined in a unique synergy to deliver an exceptional driving experience.

Silica from agricultural waste

One of the most innovative aspects of the UltraContact NXT is its compound based on bio-based silica, sourced from agricultural waste. The 32% of renewable materials includes resins obtained from residual materials of the paper and wood industries, as well as silicate extracted from rice husk ash. Transforming rice husks into silica through an energy-efficient process is an example of how research and development can drive sustainability in the tyre market.

Continental’s commitment to using recycled materials is also visible in the special “CRM” logo (Contains Recycled Materials) placed on the sidewall of the UltraContact NXT. With 5% recycled content, including recycled rubber and steel, Continental demonstrates its commitment to the circular economy and waste reduction in the automotive industry.

The innovative ContiRe.Tex technology represents another notable achievement for Continental in terms of sustainability. Through the recycling of PET bottles, this technology produces high-performance polyester fibres, which are used to reinforce the tyre carcass. In this way, between nine and fifteen plastic bottles are reused per tyre, significantly contributing to the reduction of plastic waste.

The UltraContact NXT incorporates up to 28% ISCC PLUS certified materials, including synthetic rubber and carbon black manufactured from bio-based, biocircular and/or circular raw materials. The ISCC PLUS certification guarantees traceability and transparency throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring that the materials used meet sustainable criteria.

With this commitment to sustainability, Continental is firmly dedicated to a greener future in the tyre industry. The company has set itself the goal of achieving more than 40% renewable and recycled content in its tyres by 2030, and aims for 100% of the materials in all its tyre products to be sustainable by 2050.

Available for any type of drivetrain

The UltraContact NXT stands as the definitive step towards these ambitious sustainability goals and reinforces Continental’s vision of becoming the leading tyre manufacturer on the market, as set out in its Vision 2030 strategic programme.

This premium tyre is not only sustainable but also versatile. Available for a wide range of vehicle models with different drivetrain types, the UltraContact NXT has been designed for both electric and combustion engines, standing out for its efficiency and mileage performance. Carrying the “EV Compatible” logo, it demonstrates its commitment to the future of electric mobility and is available for 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, among others.

The UltraContact NXT represents a new era of tyres, where sustainability and performance come together to deliver safer and more environmentally friendly driving. Continental is leading the way towards a greener future in the automotive industry and shows how innovation can make a difference in the pursuit of a more sustainable world.