Continental introduces UltraContact NXT, its most sustainable tyre to date

Continental has released its most environmentally-friendly tyre yet, claiming 65 per cent sustainable materials used in the UltraContact NXT’s construction. Available overseas now, Continental Australia is finalising details for local release of its EV and hybrid-focused tyre.

“The Continental UltraContact NXT represents our most sustainable tyre to date – a remarkable testament to the excellence and innovation of our engineers. At Continental, the principles of safety, performance and sustainability are naturally intertwined. The UltraContact NXT reflects our commitment to safety and sustainability in the industry”, said Mitchell Golledge, head of Continental Tyres APAC East region.

The UltraContact NXT has the highest mix of sustainable materials of any mass-market tyre, beating main rival Michelin’s attempt from October 2022 when the French manufacturer claimed 45 per cent sustainable materials in their tyres' construction.

Designed with electric vehicles and hybrids in mind, Continental spruiks the UltraContact NXT as having low rolling resistance and excellent tread longevity thanks partially to its Yellow Chilli rubber compound.

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Helping it reach such a highly sustainable material mix are the 32 per cent renewable materials involved in the construction, such as bio-based silicon made from agricultural waste to improve grip, and naturally-occurring rubber.

There’s a difference between renewable and sustainable materials, Continental defines the latter as “materials that originate from closed-loop cycles, have no harmful effects on people or the environment, and are responsibly sourced as well as climate-neutral across their entire supply chains.”

Renewable materials, however, are those that (theoretically) will never run out, defined as those that are regrown at a pace equal to or higher than consumption.

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The tyre’s carcass is constructed with large amounts of recycled steel and rubber fibres, while ‘CotiRe.Tex’ polyester fibres offer more rigidity and are made from recycled PET bottles – these being considered sustainable materials.

The UltraContact NXT marks the first step in Continental’s journey to using beyond 40 per cent renewable and recycled material in its tyres by 2030, with an eventual goal of 100 per cent by 2050.

This tyre is also a crucial step for impending Euro 7 emissions mandates that are focused on minimising particulate fall-out, drive-by noise, low rolling resistance and sustainable production.