Continental is the first manufacturer to launch a tyre with both a high share of sustainable materials and maximum EU tyre-label performance in volume production.
Continental has described the UltraContact NXT as featuring up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and mass balance certified materials, “it combines a remarkably high share of sustainable materials with maximum safety and performance.”
All 19 sizes available will carry the highest possible rating (“A”) of the EU tyre label in rolling resistance, wet braking, and exterior noise. The UltraContact NXT will be available for tyre dealers in Europe this July.
“At Continental, safety, performance, and sustainability go hand in hand. With the UltraContact NXT, we deliver on our ambitious sustainability goals. This development represents a significant leap forward and demonstrates our technological leadership as well as our strong commitment to both sustainability and safety,” said Ferdinand Hoyos, head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tyres EMEA.
He added: “With its impressive performance, the UltraContact NXT pushes sustainability to the NXT level.”
Depending on its tyre size, the UltraContact NXT is made from up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and mass balance certified materials.
Renewable materials stand up to 32 percent. The proportion of recyclable materials is up to five percent. 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.
Renewable materials account for up to 32 percent of the UltraContact NXT. This includes resins based on residual materials from the paper and wood industries. Used in tyres, resins allow highly flexible compounds to improve the material’s grip.
The Ultra Contact NXT contains silicate from the ash of rice husks. Rice husks are an agricultural waste product which may be processed into silica through a new, less energy consuming process. Silica helps to optimize characteristics such as grip, rolling resistance and tyre life. As in every tyre, natural rubber is a key material of the UltraContact NXT. It remains indispensable as it ensures the highest tyre performance properties because of its elevated level of strength and durability.
