Production of Tires from Rice Husk Ashes Has Begun!

The company aims to increase the share of sustainable materials in production to over 40% by 2030. Continental is advancing its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of tire manufacturing by increasing the use of renewable and recycled raw materials.The company has taken another step forward by incorporating silica derived from rice husk ash, strengthening its commitment to sustainable tire production.

In 2024, Continental achieved an average 26% share of eco-friendly materials in production and plans to increase this figure by 2–3% by the end of 2025, with the goal of exceeding 40% by 2030.

Jorge Almeida, Director of Sustainability at Continental Tires, stated:

“At Continental, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Using silica made from rice husk ash without compromising safety, quality, or performance demonstrates that we are paving a completely new path in tire manufacturing.”

Sustainable Transformation in Tire Compounds

Key raw materials such as carbon black and silica play a vital role in tire performance, enhancing rubber durability while directly influencing braking and handling characteristics.Silica is one of the primary fillers used to achieve optimal grip and reduced rolling resistance. Continental now sources it from rice husk ash instead of traditional quartz sand.

Rice husks — a by-product of rice processing, particularly from risotto rice — are abundant in regions like Asia and Italy. Through advanced energy-efficient processes, they are converted into high-quality silica.Developed by producers such as Solvay in Italy, this innovation supports the circular economy, contributing to sustainability across the entire value chain.

By using this new material, Continental has achieved up to a 50% reduction in braking distances and significant decreases in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Three Sustainable Approaches to Carbon Black

Carbon black, which makes up around 20% of a tire’s weight, remains essential for structural integrity.Continental is focusing on three alternative technologies to make its production more sustainable:

1. Bio-based production: Using tall oil, a by-product of the paper industry, as an alternative to fossil-based feedstock.

2. Recycled pyrolysis oil: Reprocessing pyrolysis oil recovered from end-of-life tires to produce new carbon black.

3. Direct recovery: Utilizing efficient pyrolysis processes to recover carbon black directly from scrap tires.

   
   

New Horizons in Recycling with Pyrum

To enhance the recycling of end-of-life tires, Continental collaborates with Pyrum Innovations, a company specializing in thermolysis technology.Through this partnership, carbon black recovered from scrap tires can be reused in tire production.The method has already been successfully implemented in forklift tires, and Continental now aims to expand it to passenger car tires while maintaining safety and performance standards.

By integrating sustainable raw materials into existing manufacturing processes through the mass balance approach, Continental reduces its reliance on fossil resources and visibly improves the environmental footprint of its final products.