Continental Commits To Making Tires From Recycled Plastic And Rubber By 2050

Continental has announced that, by 2050, it aims to produce tires from sustainable materials.

That date is still some time away, but the German brand is already looking into which materials will make their way into tire construction. This includes components like recycled rubber, PET bottles, and even rubber from dandelions. Creating a sustainable tire worthy of the Continental name will prove challenging, as the company notes a passenger car tire can consist of up to 100 different raw materials.

The combination of these materials is important, as it impacts the durability and a vehicle's handling. In the future, natural rubber - a mainstay in current tire production techniques - will remain in use. Continental says this substance accounts for up to 40% of the weight of a modern high-performance tire.

While it's a natural material, Continental says it will only consider this sustainable if it is sourced ethically. As such, the company has embarked on a process that will improve transparency and traceability across the value chain. Furthermore, Continental wants to reduce its dependency on rubber sourced from southeast Asia.

With help from partners, the tire giant hopes to industrialize the harvesting of natural rubber from cultivated dandelion plants.

Another key component in tire production is silica. This material is used to improve tire life and grip. Continental will look to rice husks in the future, which can be used to create silica that's not only more energy-efficient but devoid of any waste. The husks are a waste product of rice production and can't be used for food or animal feed - except tires in 2050, of course.