Solidarity interdict Continental Tyres SA from retrenching workers at its manufacturing plant in PE. Photographer: Hannelore Foerster/Bloomberg As Continental sets a precedent in sustainable production, the transition away from coal and heavy fuel oil stands as a powerful reminder of the potential impact that corporate responsibility can have on the environment. With a commitment to renewable energy, Continental is paving the way for a greener future in tyre manufacturing.
Image: File.
Continental announced a crucial milestone in its global sustainability strategy by fully phasing out coal and heavy fuel oil across all its tyre production sites.
As of January 2026, the company has transitioned entirely to alternative energy sources, ensuring a significant reduction in its carbon footprint while boosting operational resilience.
“For us, coal and heavy fuel oil are a thing of the past. The future increasingly lies in renewable energies,” stated Dr. Bernhard Trilken, head of Manufacturing and Logistics at Continental Tires.
This is in line with the company’s new direction towards a sustainable future, highlighting their commitment to a diversified energy mix that includes biomass, biogas, and electricity from renewable sources, among others.
Historically, seven out of Continental's 19 production facilities relied on fossil fuels, particularly coal and heavy fuel oil, to meet their energy needs.
These sources provided a reliable thermal output that was essential in regions with limited access to gas or electricity.
However, the company’s strategic pivot is set to redefine energy consumption in tyre manufacturing by adopting advanced electric technologies for heating processes, most notably during vulcanisation, a crucial step that imparts elasticity to rubber.
Since 2020, Continental has ensured that all its electricity is sourced exclusively from renewable options, a policy that aligns with its sustainability goals.
The company reported a reduction of greenhouse gas intensity by more than 10% in 2025 compared to the previous year and around 70% since 2019.
This transformation has effectively reduced CO₂ emissions by approximately 180,000 metric tons over the past four years.
This ambitious energy transition varies significantly across Continental’s global production sites, shaped by local resources and energy markets.
For instance, the Gqeberha plant in South Africa has successfully replaced coal with biomass, complemented by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to meet any additional energy requirements. Meanwhile, the tyre plant in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, has made similar strides by eliminating heavy oil altogether in favour of a renewable biomass steam generation system.
Efforts at the Otrokovice site in the Czech Republic exemplify Continental’s collaborative approach to sustainability.
By working closely with regional energy suppliers to adjust their fuel mix, the plant transitioned to steam generated mainly from biomass.
This shift not only aligns with Continental’s climate objectives but also benefits neighbouring communities through an improved district heating system.
Continental’s transition to alternative energy sources marks a significant advancement in its sustainability initiatives.
By continually increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy use in its production processes, the company demonstrates its role as a leader in corporate responsibility.
This commitment has been recognised externally by CDP, which awarded Continental an A- rating in 2025 for its transparency concerning climate action and CO₂ reduction measures.
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