Continental is consistently advancing the use of more sustainable materials within its product portfolio. Going forward, the company’s ContiTech division will transition the majority of its PVC-based products to INEOS Inovyn’s carbon-optimised NEOVYN PVC. This new material boasts a carbon footprint approximately 37 per cent lower than the European industry average for conventional PVC.

This achievement will be made possible through targeted decarbonisation initiatives by INEOS Inovyn, particularly the adoption of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind energy, and solar power, along with the use of low-carbon hydrogen in production.

In the future, the new PVC formulation will be utilised across a diverse range of Continental products – including food-grade hoses, conveyor belts for mining, and fasteners and seals for the chemical and construction sectors. Additionally, functional and design-driven surface solutions in vehicles, ships, and buildings worldwide will also be outfitted with the new material as standard.

Strategic importance of PVC at Continental

In addition to rubber, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a fundamental material in the portfolio of Continental’s ContiTech division, which specialises in material-driven solutions. As a thermoplastic polymer, PVC is distinguished by its versatility, formability, and cost-effective processing. Consequently, it is used across a wide range of industries.

Against the backdrop of increasing demands on the carbon balance of products and supply chains, the targeted use of materials with a reduced product carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important. "Decarbonisation starts with the materials. With carbon-optimised PVC from INEOS Inovyn, we are focusing specifically on lower-emission solutions that can be integrated into our series production without sacrificing quality," explained Christian Dohmen, who is responsible for global Rubber & Chemicals Purchasing at ContiTech. "This is measurable progress in our strategic use of materials and at the same time an expression of a more sustainable purchasing decision. By switching to the new PVC alone, we will achieve an emission reduction of around 31.5 per cent in the future compared to the previous PVC range in relation to the quantities used in 2024. A clear signal to our customers, who are increasingly relying on more climate-friendly and recyclable products," he added.

How INEOS Inovyn is reducing PVC's carbon footprint

The reduced product carbon footprint of NEOVYNTM PVC supplied by INEOS Inovyn is based on a series of targeted decarbonisation measures along the entire value chain. A key lever is the consistent switch to renewable energies: The production sites use locally available sources such as hydropower from Norway, wind energy from the North Sea and a modern photovoltaic system in Jemeppe, Belgium. This is complemented by the use of low-carbon hydrogen.

In addition, the entire supply chain is certified according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. The internationally recognised sustainability certification certifies compliance with and documentation of certain processes for the mass balancing of raw materials and ensures the traceability of the renewable and recycled raw materials used.

“Through NEOVYN, we are providing our customers with an advanced PVC solution that significantly reduces the carbon footprint and helps them achieve their sustainability goals. It is exciting to see global companies like Continental make such a strong and clear commitment to environmentally responsible products, demonstrating our shared ambition to deliver low carbon solutions" said Arnaud Valenduc, Business Director, INEOS Inovyn.

Next steps for more sustainable materials at Continental

With the use of NEOVYN PVC, Continental has reached an important milestone on the way to more sustainable material use. The focus is not only on PVC, but also on other materials that can contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions through the use of renewable energies and recyclable raw materials.

For example, Continental is also working on increasing the proportion of renewable and recycled raw materials in its rubber compounds and on further developing innovative solutions in the field of rubber recycling. The aim is to integrate further basic materials with an improved carbon footprint into series production in the future.

Another step in this direction: In the industrial sector, Continental has so far achieved ISCC PLUS certification for its Eislingen and Waltershausen sites, with additional locations to follow.