Continental has become the first tire manufacturer to integrate Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, a sustainable rubber additive from LANXESS, into its production. This ISCC PLUS-certified version of the proven Vulkanox HS (TMQ) reduces environmental impact while maintaining performance standards.
Advancing Sustainability Goals
“With innovative additives like Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, we move closer to our target of using over 40 percent renewable and recycled materials in our tires by 2030,” said Steffen Ryssel, Head of Purchasing at Continental Tires. He emphasized that collaborations with technology partners such as LANXESS are key to driving Continental’s sustainability roadmap.
Compared to conventionally manufactured Vulkanox HS, Vulkanox HS Scopeblue has a thirty percent lower CO₂ footprint. LANXESS achieves this by using bio-circular acetone and renewable energy in its production processes, without altering the additive’s chemical structure. This means tire manufacturers can adopt the product without changing their existing processes.
LANXESS’ Commitment to Low-Carbon Solutions
“We are delighted that Continental, a premium manufacturer, has chosen our Vulkanox HS Scopeblue for its tires,” said Dr. Jens-Hendrik Fischer, Head of LANXESS’ Rhein Chemie business unit. “This demonstrates how our innovative solutions help customers improve product performance while advancing climate goals,” Dr. Fischer added.
LANXESS produces the additive in an ISCC PLUS-certified facility in Germany, using a mass-balance approach to account for renewable raw materials. The company calculates its carbon footprint with a cradle-to-gate methodology, covering Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy-related), and Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions.
High Performance with Lower Impact
For tire manufacturers, durability and safety remain critical. Vulkanox HS Scopeblue protects rubber compounds during vulcanization against oxygen and heat exposure, enhancing thermal stability during processing and ensuring long-term tire performance. As per the press release, the additive also features low volatility and minimal migration tendency, making it a reliable, high-performance choice while aligning with the industry’s shift toward sustainability.
