SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 30, 2025 – Continental, a leading global tire manufacturer, announced today that its Korbach plant in Germany has received the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS. This achievement marks the fourth Continental tire plant to earn this prestigious certification, following Lousado (Portugal), Hefei (China), and Puchov (Slovakia). The ISCC PLUS certification underscores Continental's dedication to sustainable practices and its commitment to using responsibly sourced materials in its tire production.
ISCC PLUS Certification: Ensuring Traceability and Sustainability
The ISCC PLUS certification is a globally recognized standard that validates the sustainability and traceability of raw materials throughout the supply chain. This certification ensures that materials derived from renewable and recycled sources meet stringent environmental and social criteria.
"We are consistently increasing the amount of renewable and recycled materials in our tires," said Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability at Continental Tires. "Certifications like ISCC PLUS contribute to transparency and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices."
Mass Balance Approach: Integrating Sustainable Materials
Continental utilizes a mass balance approach, which allows for the mixing of fossil, renewable, and recycled raw materials. This approach involves meticulous tracking of the quantities used, enabling accurate reporting on the proportion of certified sustainable materials in each tire.
"At Continental, we are working worldwide to make the future of mobility more environmentally friendly," added Klaus Ohlwein, Head of the Continental tire plant in Korbach. "Our ISCC PLUS certification, along with our use of recycled PET bottles in series production, exemplifies our commitment to sustainability."
UltraContact NXT: Pioneering Sustainable Tire Production
The UltraContact NXT, manufactured at Continental's Lousado plant, is a prime example of the company's commitment to sustainable tire production. This tire utilizes mass balance-certified materials, including synthetic rubber derived from bio-based and bio-circular raw materials and carbon black produced partly using oil from circular processes.
Continental's Vision for a Climate-Neutral Future
Continental has set an ambitious goal to become completely climate neutral by 2050. To achieve this, the company aims to manufacture all new tires entirely from sustainable materials. The Korbach plant, which employs over 3,600 people and also produces bicycle tires, plays a crucial role in realizing this vision.
About Continental
Continental is a leading global supplier of automotive technologies and services. The company develops and produces innovative products and solutions for a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable mobility experience. Continental's tire division offers a wide range of tires for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and bicycles.