Continental’s Green Revolution: A Step Towards Sustainable PVC Products
A bold move towards a greener future! Continental, a leader in material-driven solutions, is taking a stand against carbon emissions. With their focus on PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a key material in their portfolio, they are revolutionizing the industry. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a material known for its versatility and economical processing truly become eco-friendly?
In today’s world, where environmental concerns are at an all-time high, companies are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Continental’s ContiTech sector is rising to the challenge by strategically utilizing materials with a reduced carbon impact. “Decarbonization is our priority, and we’re achieving it through innovative material choices,” says Christian Dohmen, the global purchasing expert at ContiTech. “By adopting CO₂-optimized PVC from INEOS Inovyn, we’re ensuring quality without compromising on sustainability.”
The Science Behind the Scene: INEOS Inovyn’s NEOVYNTM PVC is a game-changer. Its reduced carbon footprint is a result of meticulous decarbonization measures across the entire supply chain. The key? A complete shift to renewable energy sources. From Norwegian hydropower to North Sea wind power and a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system in Belgium, INEOS Inovyn is leading the way. And this is the part most people miss: they’re also utilizing low-carbon hydrogen, further reducing the environmental impact.
But how does Continental ensure the sustainability of their entire supply chain? By implementing the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. This internationally recognized certification guarantees the traceability and documentation of renewable and recycled raw materials, ensuring a transparent and eco-friendly process.
Arnaud Valenduc, Business Director at INEOS Inovyn, emphasizes, “NEOVYN™ is more than just a PVC solution; it’s a commitment to our customers’ sustainability goals. We’re thrilled to see Continental’s dedication to environmentally responsible products, a true testament to our shared vision.”
Continental’s Future Plans: The adoption of NEOVYN™ PVC is just the beginning. Continental aims to expand its sustainable material use beyond PVC. They’re exploring the potential of renewable energies and recyclable raw materials for other materials too. For instance, they’re increasing the use of renewable and recycled raw materials in their rubber compounds and pushing the boundaries of rubber recycling. The goal? To integrate more basic materials with improved CO₂ footprints into their production processes.
And the progress doesn’t stop there. Continental’s plants in Waltershausen and Eislingen have already achieved ISCC PLUS certification, with plans to extend this to other locations.
So, what do you think? Is Continental’s approach to sustainable materials a step in the right direction? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!