From ashes to ... tyres?

Continental is stepping up its commitment to sustainability by increasing the share of renewable and recycled materials in tyre production.In 2024, these made up 26 per cent of its raw materials. That figure is expected to rise by another two to three percentage points in 2025, with the long-term goal of reaching over 40 per cent by 2030 – all while maintaining the highest safety and performance standards.Two key ingredients in this shift are carbon black and silica. Together with rubber, they make up the bulk of a tyre’s raw materials, providing durability, grip and braking performance. Continental now sources both from renewable or recycled origins to reduce dependence on fossil resources.One striking innovation is silica made from rice husk ash. Rice husks, a by-product of agriculture and risotto rice production in Asia and Italy, are processed into high-quality silica by partners such as Solvay in Italy. Traditionally produced from quartz sand, silica is crucial for reducing rolling resistance, improving grip and cutting braking distances. Using rice husk ash makes the process more energy-efficient and supports the circular economy.“Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand at Continental. Using silica from the ashes of rice husks in our tyres shows that we are breaking completely new ground, without compromising on safety, quality or performance,” says Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability at Continental Tires.Game changerSilica has been a game-changer for tyre technology for around 30 years, and Continental was an early adopter. It has helped cut braking distances by almost 50 per cent and reduced CO2 emissions by lowering rolling resistance. Using it from sustainable sources takes these benefits a step further.Carbon black – which accounts for up to 20 per cent of a passenger car tyre’s weight – is also vital for tyre strength and durability. Continental uses a wide range of carbon black types depending on tyre function, from the sidewall to the tread. To make this material more sustainable, the company is investing in three routes:&bull; Bio-based carbon black, produced from tall oil, a by-product of the paper industry.&bull; Recycled carbon black, created from pyrolysis oil derived from old tyres.&bull; Recovered carbon black, extracted directly from end-of-life tyres using thermolysis technology.To advance recycling, Continental has partnered with Pyrum Innovations, a company specialising in processing end-of-life tyres. Their pyrolysis method recovers valuable carbon black, which has already been used in Continental’s forklift tyres. Work is under way to refine the material for use in a wider range of products without compromising safety.This combination of bio-based materials, recycled inputs and innovative recovery processes represents a major step towards greener tyres. Continental’s approach underlines how industrial by-products such as rice husk ashes or tall oil can become part of a more sustainable value chain.By building tyres that are both safe and more environmentally friendly, Continental is showing that performance and sustainability do not need to be in conflict – they can roll together.Ask about Continental's new generation tyres at your closest Northern Industrial tyre dealership.

From ashes to ... tyres?

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-26

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From ashes to ... tyres?

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-26

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