Continental: Inside Sustainable Tyre Manufacturing

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Tyres were originally white, but carbon black was added to improve their durability and tensile strength.
Continental’s Korbach plant has ISCC PLUS certification, advancing sustainable materials, traceability and the circular economy in tyre production

Continental’s Korbach manufacturing plant in Germany is the company's fourth site to receive International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS recognition. 

At Korbach, Continental produces car and bicycle tyres, as well as high-performance tyres designed for advanced vehicles.

The ISCC PLUS certification confirms Continental’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and transparent supply chain.

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The accreditation ensures the company adheres to strict standards for sourcing, tracking and documenting the use of renewable and recycled materials, alongside fossil feedstock.

In addition to Korbach, Continental has ISCC PLUS-certified plants in Portugal, China and Slovakia. 

The certification plays a central role in Continental’s 2050 sustainability targets, supporting the traceability of materials derived from recycled or renewable sources.

Embracing the mass-balance approach

To achieve ISCC PLUS certification, Continental follows the mass-balance approach, which supports the shift towards a bio-based and circular economy. 

This system allows companies to gradually replace fossil-based raw materials with renewable or recycled alternatives during production.

The mass-balance approach tracks material quantities throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring the accurate reporting of certified sustainable materials. 

It enables Continental to scale up the use of bio-based and recycled resources while maintaining overall product quality.

By adopting this method, Continental takes a critical step towards its goal of using over 40% renewable and recycled materials in tyre production by 2030. 

Jorge Almeida, Sustainability Manager at Continental Tires, passionately drives Continental's sustainability agenda

Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability at Continental Tyres, says: “We are consistently increasing the amount of renewable and recycled materials in our tyres. 

"Our ambition is to roll out the mass-balance approach to all of our tyre plants worldwide."

Pioneering sustainability efforts at Korbach

At its Korbach facility, Continental integrates cutting-edge research and development to advance its sustainability objectives. 

The site is home to the company’s High Performance Technology Centre, where new materials and tyre production methods are explored.

One notable innovation from Korbach is the Urban Taraxagum tyre, which is made using dandelion rubber. 

This locally sourced material minimises transport distances, reflecting Continental’s focus on creating short, efficient supply chains.

In addition, the Korbach plant recently introduced recycled PET bottles into series production, further reinforcing its sustainable manufacturing practices. 

Klaus Ohlwein, Head of the Korbach facility, explains: “Our ISCC PLUS certification, as well as our latest step – the use of recycled PET bottles in series production – are proof of our consistent implementation here in Korbach.

Klaus Ohlwein, Head of the Continental tyre plant in Korbach, has been with the company since 1995.

"Our high-performance tyres not only deliver outstanding performance but also increasingly support the bio-based and circular economy.”

Continental’s broader sustainability strategy aims to achieve complete climate neutrality by 2050. 

To meet this vision, the company prioritises innovative technologies and environmentally friendly solutions throughout its operations, from sourcing raw materials to waste management. 

By progressively replacing fossil-based materials with alternatives such as agricultural waste, sustainable carbon black and recycled steel, Continental is driving significant transformation across its value chain.

What is the ISCC?

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) system was established in 2010 as a global standard for promoting sustainability and traceability in supply chains. 

Reforestation can help reduce carbon emissions and slow global warming.

It focuses on reducing deforestation, supporting climate-friendly solutions and ensuring that companies meet stringent sustainability requirements.

As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, the ISCC contributes to global efforts to address climate change and improve transparency in material sourcing. 

This certification system is an essential tool for businesses seeking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.

Continental’s pursuit of ISCC PLUS certification reflects its dedication to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for mobility. 

Through these initiatives, the company aims to set new standards in environmental and social responsibility.


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