Continental is the first tire manufacturer to use new sustainable rubber additive from LANXESS

Continental is the first tire manufacturer to use the new Vulkanox HS Scopeblue rubber additive from LANXESS. This is the more sustainable, ISCC PLUS-certified version of the proven additive Vulkanox HS (TMQ). The product reliably protects rubber compounds during vulcanization from influences such as oxygen and heat.

Steffen Ryssel, Head of Purchasing at Continental Tires, says: “At Continental Tires, we are continuously working to improve the environmental performance of our products. Collaborations like the one with LANXESS and the use of innovative rubber additives such as Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, help us move closer to our goal of using over 40 percent renewable and recycled materials in our tires by 2030.”

Compared to the conventionally manufactured product, Vulkanox HS Scopeblue has a CO₂ footprint that is more than 30 percent lower. LANXESS achieves this by using sustainable bio-circular acetone and renewable energies in production. The overall chemical structure of the additive remains unchanged. This means that tire manufacturers do not need to adapt their production processes. “We are delighted that Continental, a premium manufacturer, has chosen our Vulkanox HS Scopeblue for its products. This shows that our innovative additives are recognized and valued in the industry,” says Dr. Jens-Hendrik Fischer, Head of LANXESS’ Rhein Chemie business unit. “With solutions like these, we support our customers in developing the best possible products while achieving their climate goals.”

Focus on sustainability

LANXESS developed Vulkanox HS Scopeblue to meet the growing demand for more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. The additive carries the Scopeblue label, which stands for products with a particularly low carbon footprint or a high proportion of circular raw materials. Production takes place in a mass balance-based, ISCC PLUS-certified facility in Germany. LANXESS uses the cradle-to-gate approach to calculate its carbon footprint, which includes Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy) and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions).

For tire manufacturers who demand the highest performance and durability from their products, the use of high-performance additives is essential. Vulkanox HS Scopeblue effectively protects rubber compounds during vulcanization from influences such as oxygen and heat. This strengthens the thermal stability of the compound in the early stages of processing and ensures the long-term performance of the tire. In addition, Vulkanox HS Scopeblue is characterized by low volatility and low migration tendency.

Further information on rubber additives from LANXESS is available at https://lanxess.com/en/products-and-brands/industries/tire-and-rubber-industry and on the Scopeblue sustainability label at https://lanxess.com/en/products-and-brands/brands/scopeblue.