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Continental provides overview of sustainability commitment and Extreme E

Sep 16, 2021 Continental, sustainability, commitment, Extreme E, Philipp von Hirschheydt


Continental provides overview of sustainability commitment and Extreme E

 

 At a digital event in the run-up to the recent Extreme E race in Greenland, Continental gave an overview of its commitment to the Extreme E series as well as the current sustainability projects of the Tires business area. 

 

"We have been investing in research and development for many years to drive innovative technologies, alternative and sustainable materials, and environmentally friendly production processes," says Philipp von Hirschheydt, Head of Business Unit Replacement Tires at Continental. "Our cooperation with Extreme E is additionally an integral part of our strategy to roll out the priority of sustainability to new target groups."

 

In the sustainability sector, Continental is pursuing ambitious goals and aiming to become the most progressive manufacturer in the tyre industry by 2030. Efforts here are centred around the strategic topics of climate action, low-emission mobility, the circular economy and sustainable supply chains, thus embracing all phases of the value chain.

1. Extreme E – Technological innovation and sustainability

Continental is a founding partner and premium sponsor of the Extreme E all-electric racing series.

2. “Vision 2030” – Continuing the success story through sustainable action

Continental set out its new strategic program for the Tires business area at the end of 2020, called “Vision 2030”, which is focused on the systematic customer-centric alignment of the organization and all its business activities. 

3. Taraxagum – Russian dandelion as an alternative source of natural rubber

One of Continental's key concerns is to stop importing natural rubber exclusively from the tropics in the future and to extract it as close as possible to its tyre plants in order to prevent ongoing deforestation and reduce the CO2 emissions caused by long transport routes.

4. Cokoon – Environmentally friendly bonding system for textile reinforcements materials

Continental and Kordsa have together developed a new sustainable adhesive technology standard for bonding textile reinforcing materials with rubber compounds. Reinforcing materials of this kind are used in the tyre industry, as well as in the production of mechanical rubber goods like hoses and conveyor belts. The new technology enables the bonding activation of textile reinforcing materials without the use of resorcinol and formaldehyde.

5. Sustainable supply chain – Responsible sourcing of natural rubber

Continental is actively promoting greater sustainability in the extraction of natural rubber through various strategic projects. The premium tyre manufacturer is pursuing the goals of creating better working conditions for smallholders, protecting existing rainforest areas, and ensuring greater transparency and knowledge in the natural rubber sector through digital systems.

6. Recycled PET bottles in tyre production

Continental enables the use of reprocessed polyester obtained from recycled plastic bottles in its tyre production as of 2022. The new sustainable polyester yarn will be obtained from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles by a mechanical process and will be used in the construction of the tyre carcass. This can completely replace conventional polyester.

7. Diversity – More female managers and work-life balance

Continental aims to increase the proportion of women in the first two management levels worldwide. In 2020, the proportion of female managers at Continental was over 16 percent. Continental aims to increase this figure to 25 percent by 2025. By initiating numerous projects and programs, the technology company raises the profile of its talented female employees and supports global networking among them. This includes a global diversity network as well as events such as Women@Work and an annual diversity summit. Continental also offers the necessary working conditions to allow female employees to combine family and career.

 

"Companies not only have to survive in an increasingly complex business world, they also have to serve the needs of a diverse clientele. That can only be done with the best employees, regardless of origin or gender," says Philipp von Hirschheydt. "Here, too, I see the connection to Extreme E. The individual teams are required to start with a balanced gender ratio. This is also Continental's goal in all our projects."

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