Continental launches UltraContact NXT tyres made of up to 65% renewable materials

German tyre company Continental has launched UltraContact NXT tyres, which use up to 65 percent renewable, recycled, and mass balance certified materials- the most sustainable series tyre to date, as claimed by the company.

The company is the first manufacturer to launch a tire with both a high share of sustainable materials and maximum EU tire-label performance in volume production, it said in a press release.

Renewable materials make up to 32 percent and comprise materials such as resins. The proportion of recycled materials is up to five percent. The renewable materials Furthermore, Continental sourced an amount of up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance approach certified materials from bio, bio-circular and/or circular feedstock, the press release noted. The Ultra Contact NXT contains silicate from the ash of rice husks and natural rubber is a key material of the tyre.

All 19 sizes available will carry the highest possible rating (“A”) of the EU tire label in rolling resistance, wet braking, and exterior noise.  Designed for both electric and combustion engines, UltraContact NXT will be available for tyre dealers in Europe this July.

“This development represents a significant leap forward and demonstrates our technological leadership as well as our strong commitment to both sustainability and safety,” says Ferdinand Hoyos, Head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tyres EMEA. 

By 2030 the premium tyre manufacturer aims to have over 40 percent renewable and recycled content in its tyres. Continental continues its drive towards 100 percent sustainable materials in all its tire products by 2050 at the latest, and UltraContact NXT is an important step in this direction.