Continental’s truck tyre production plant in Púchov, Slovakia, has received ISCC Plus certification. This is part of the producer’s mission to source 40% of materials from recycled and renewable materials by 2030.
The ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Cerfification) confirms full transparency of the traceability of all raw materials used in the production process. Two other sites, in Portugal and China, have already been certified.
Mass balance
Continental plans to gradually roll out the ‘mass balance’ approach to all its tyre plants worldwide. Púchov is its first plant to be certified for this purpose.
‘It is a sign of our commitment to both quality and sustainability,’ says plant manager Anton Vatala. He adds that the goal is to reach 100% sustainable materials by 2050.
The UltraContact NXT is claimed to be the most sustainable serial tyre made with mass-balance-certified materials. For example, it has synthetic rubber made from bio-based and bio-circular raw materials or carbon black.
The latter is produced in part using oil from circular processes. This brand is manufactured at a plant in Lousado, Portugal.
Green credentials
ISCC Plus certifies non-conventional raw materials that can be used in the sectors of foodstuffs, animal feed, chemicals, plastics, packaging and textiles.
The various criteria required for ISCC Plus certification include:
- traceability of raw materials
- compliance with environmental standards
- protection of ecosystems
- compliance with labour and human rights
- promotion of sustainable economic development
Continental says it is actively exploring which raw materials could be used in tyre production. To date, the list includes agricultural waste such as ash from rice husks, rubber from dandelions, recycled rubber and plastic bottles.
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