Continental introduced UltraContact NXT: new sustainable tire with high performance
Continental has introduced its most sustainable tire yet, the UltraContact NXT, which combines a high proportion of renewable, recycled, and certified materials with excellent safety and performance. According to Continental, it is the first tire on the market to achieve both a high share of sustainable materials and the highest EU tire-label performance. All 19 available sizes of the UltraContact NXT have received the highest rating ("A") in rolling resistance, wet braking, and exterior noise on the EU tire label.
The UltraContact NXT contains up to 65% renewable, recycled, and mass balance certified materials, depending on the tire size. Renewable materials make up to 32% of the tire, including resins derived from residual materials from the paper and wood industries, as well as silica extracted from rice husks. Recycled materials account for up to 5% of the tire and include recycled rubber material from end-of-life tires and recycled steel. Continental also utilizes its innovative ContiRe.Tex technology, which recycles PET bottles to produce high-performance polyester fibers used in the tire carcass. Additionally, up to 28% of the materials used in the UltraContact NXT are ISCC PLUS mass balance certified, including sustainable synthetic rubber and carbon black made from biobased, bio-circular, and/or circular feedstock.
Continental aims to have over 40% renewable and recycled content in its tires by 2030 and strives to achieve fully circular operations in tire production by 2050. The UltraContact NXT is a significant step toward these sustainability goals and aligns with Continental's Vision 2030 strategy program. The tire is suitable for both electric and combustion engine vehicles and will be available for popular models such as the Kia Niro, VW ID.3, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Tesla Model 3, Audi Q4 E-TRON, Skoda Octavia, VW Golf 8, Audi A3, and more.
Click here to see the video footage of the UltraContact NXT.
To find out more about UltraContact NXT, proceed to Continental’s website.
Weibold is an international consulting company specializing exclusively in end-of-life tire recycling and pyrolysis. Since 1999, we have helped companies grow and build profitable businesses.