Sustainable Surfaces
The world is changing. And so are we. In the face of new challenges, we have decided to focus on sustainability in all our product, people, and environmental efforts.
This means looking after our planet, society, our corporate culture, and our relationships with third parties. We strive for excellence in developing sustainable products and business relationships. Based on a corporate philosophy that puts long-term stability above short-term growth, sustainability is at the heart of our business and at the heart of our people!
Sustainable Surfaces for Mobility & Transportation
On the Way to Sustainable Vehicle Interiors. Together.
At Continental we strive for excellence in the development of sustainable surface solutions for vehicle interiors without any compromises in performance and quality. Therefore, our more sustainable product design is based on three pillars: Decarbonization, Circularity and Unique Product Performance as Enabler. This is how we achieve sustainability in a variety of approaches that can also be combined. But how do we make our surfaces more sustainable? First, by accessing innovative raw materials like using new feedstocks or bio-based raw materials from renewable sources. Second, by using recycled feedstock or developing a recyclable product design. And last but not least by creating innovative surface solutions and technologies that contribute to sustainability due to their unique product performance as enabler.
From emissions to excellence
Decarbonization
We as Continental are passionate not only for our business, but especially for the environment. It is our duty and aspiration to create surface solutions that are more climate friendly. We have already achieved considerable success on this path for our product ranges.
The road to decarbonized products requires efforts in many areas: in raw material feedstock, production processes and energy consumption. As for our product design, the substitution of the classical petrol-based feedstock through bio-sourced, CO2-sourced, and circular feedstock is key. Bio-based feedstock and bio-degradable products form the perfect base for ideal product life cycles. Our processes are flanked by continuous improvements with regard to the use of possibly critical raw materials and the minimization of solvent use, emissions, and odor.
The road to decarbonized products requires efforts in many areas: in raw material feedstock, production processes and energy consumption. As for our product design, the substitution of the classical petrol-based feedstock through bio-sourced, CO2-sourced, and circular feedstock is key. Bio-based feedstock and bio-degradable products form the perfect base for ideal product life cycles. Our processes are flanked by continuous improvements with regard to the use of possibly critical raw materials and the minimization of solvent use, emissions, and odor.
For many happy returns
Circularity
Recycling is one of the most common and effective ways of conserving resources. The further development of recycling is circularity:
This means the use of recycle-based raw materials for the production of our surface materials, as well as the concept to recycle production wastes and the final products at the end of the life span.
But here there are yet some challenges to overcome: Provide recyclates of constantly high quality for example. We have already developed numerous products which have these properties. and still offer the well-known premium performance.
The use of high-quality post-consumer PET sources for the textile backings of our premium surfaces materials is an example for these achievements. With regard to end-of-life recycling, mono-material concepts are realized for both- our surface materials and the final interior parts. This is circularity at Continental.
This means the use of recycle-based raw materials for the production of our surface materials, as well as the concept to recycle production wastes and the final products at the end of the life span.
But here there are yet some challenges to overcome: Provide recyclates of constantly high quality for example. We have already developed numerous products which have these properties. and still offer the well-known premium performance.
The use of high-quality post-consumer PET sources for the textile backings of our premium surfaces materials is an example for these achievements. With regard to end-of-life recycling, mono-material concepts are realized for both- our surface materials and the final interior parts. This is circularity at Continental.
Designed to go the extra mile
Unique Product Performance as Enabler
Nature shows how it works: every plant and every animal have a unique talent to fit perfectly and harmoniously into the environmental cycle. With a more sustainable product design, our experts follow this example and develop continuously innovative surface solutions with unique product performance features. With this, our solutions enable the realization of sustainable vehicle interiors and contribute positively to the vehicle’s eco-balance.
For example: Reduced weight means a reduced carbon footprint in the product itself and also in the energy consumption of a vehicle. Our surfaces are optimized for maximum performance while being lightweight and robust. Another contribution to sustainability is a longer lifecycle, also for high usage applications, especially shared mobility concepts. With our staynu® technology we make surfaces insensitive to mechanical stress, soiling, and repeated use of detergents and offer extremely durable surfaces, thus significantly extending their service life.
For example: Reduced weight means a reduced carbon footprint in the product itself and also in the energy consumption of a vehicle. Our surfaces are optimized for maximum performance while being lightweight and robust. Another contribution to sustainability is a longer lifecycle, also for high usage applications, especially shared mobility concepts. With our staynu® technology we make surfaces insensitive to mechanical stress, soiling, and repeated use of detergents and offer extremely durable surfaces, thus significantly extending their service life.
Parameter for measuring sustainability at product level
GWP100 Global Warming Potential Index
To quantify a product’s contribution to climate change, the Global Warming Potential (GWP100)* indicator is commonly used. This metric expresses greenhouse gas emissions over a 100-year time horizon in terms of CO₂ equivalents.
This index puts a figure on a product’s carbon footprint over a period of 100 years. It takes into account the phases from “cradle to delivery” and disposal or recycling at the end of the product life cycle.
This index puts a figure on a product’s carbon footprint over a period of 100 years. It takes into account the phases from “cradle to delivery” and disposal or recycling at the end of the product life cycle.
*GWP100 values are calculated according to CT-SSL-GWP-Calculation standard version 02 as carbon dioxide equivalent using the relevant 100-year global warming potential. Evaluation is based on life cycle assessment (LCA) using databases like GaBi. The model is based on the greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol standard and following ISO 14067:2018. Considered life cycle phases: cradle-to-gate (scope 1,2,3). Future more precise calculation will allow higher degree of differentiation and therefore might lead to divergent results.