Continental’s tire plant in Hefei, China, has achieved the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. This globally recognized certification verifies Continental’s adherence to strict sustainability practices and the traceability of raw materials used in its production processes.
ISCC PLUS Certification: Transparency and Sustainability
ISCC PLUS certification confirms Continental’s commitment to using sustainable materials throughout its tire production lifecycle. The company utilizes a “mass balance” approach, allowing them to integrate renewable and recycled materials into existing systems while maintaining transparency and accountability.
“We’re steadily increasing the use of renewable and recyclable materials in our tires,” says Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability Tires at Continental. “The mass balance approach, validated by the ISCC PLUS certification, allows us to achieve this goal while ensuring traceability.”
Continental aims to implement this approach across all its tire plants worldwide.
Sustainable Materials and High-Quality Processes
The certification process involved implementing and documenting procedures for mass balancing raw materials. This method blends fossil-based, renewable, and recycled materials within existing systems. The quantities used are meticulously tracked throughout the supply chain, enabling proportionate allocation at any stage.
“This certification signifies the high quality of all our processes, from sourcing certified raw materials to delivering finished tires,” said Xiaoji Wang, Head of the Continental Hefei plant. “We’re proud to meet the stringent ISCC PLUS requirements and fulfill our commitment to sustainability across the entire value chain.”
ISCC PLUS: A Recognized Standard for Sustainability
ISCC PLUS is an internationally recognized voluntary certification scheme applicable to the bioeconomy and circular economy. It certifies non-conventional raw materials used in various industries, including food, textiles, and chemicals. Key criteria for ISCC PLUS certification encompass raw material traceability, environmental responsibility, ecosystem protection, and adherence to labor and human rights standards.
Continental’s Sustainable Tire: The UltraContact NXT
Continental’s most sustainable tire to date, the UltraContact NXT, utilizes mass-balance certified materials. This includes synthetic rubber derived from bio-based and bio-circular sources, alongside carbon black partially produced using oil from circular processes. The UltraContact NXT is manufactured at Continental’s Lousado plant.
Vision: Tires Made Entirely from Sustainable Materials
Continental is actively transitioning towards sustainable raw materials in tire production. Potential future materials include agricultural waste like rice husk ash, dandelion rubber, recycled rubber, and even PET bottles.
The ISCC PLUS certification of the Hefei and Lousado plants marks a significant step towards Continental’s goals of incorporating over 40% renewable and recycled materials in its tires by 2030 and achieving complete climate neutrality by 2050. Ultimately, Continental aspires to manufacture all new tires entirely from sustainable materials by 2050.
Continental’s Hefei Plant: A Manufacturing Powerhouse
Located in Hefei’s High-Tech Zone, Continental’s Hefei tire plant was established in 2009 and currently spans over 667,000 square meters. Since 2011, the plant has been producing tires for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers for the Chinese market and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
