Continental’s UltraContact NXT has been honoured with the Sustainability Award in Automotive 2025 in the “Technology – Materials / Raw Materials, Recycling” category. The award, presented by Arthur D. Little and the ATZ / MTZ Group, recognizes Continental for developing its most sustainable series-production tire to date. Depending on the tire size, the UltraContact NXT comprises up to 65% renewable, recycled, and ISCC PLUS mass balance-certified materials.
Maria Hanczuch, Head of Product Management for Passenger Tires in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Continental, accepted the award in Berlin, stating: “With the UltraContact NXT, Continental demonstrates that outstanding sustainability and first-class performance go hand in hand. We see this award not only as an honour but also as motivation to drive forward our sustainability strategy.”
Every year, the management consultancy Arthur D. Little and the ATZ / MTZ Group present the Sustainability Award in Automotive. The jury recognizes outstanding examples of sustainable solutions. The selection and awarding of the prizes is based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which address key global challenges in the areas of ecology, society and governance. The selection is made by a panel of experts from science, practice, associations, media and NGOs.
Continental introduced the UltraContact NXT in summer 2023, setting a new benchmark in sustainability by incorporating up to 65% renewable, recycled, and mass balance-certified materials. The tire seamlessly blends eco-friendly innovation with maximum safety and performance.
All 19 available dimensions have received the highest EU tire label rating (“A”) for rolling resistance, wet braking, and exterior noise. The UltraContact NXT recently showcased its exceptional capabilities in the 2025 auto motor und sport test for sustainable and fuel-efficient summer tires (issue 07/25), securing first place and earning the prestigious “outstanding” rating.
The UltraContact NXT contains up to 32 percent renewable materials. These include resins based on residual materials from the paper and wood industries and silica from the ash of rice husks. Up to five percent is recycled material, such as recycled steel or polyester from recycled PET bottles, which often ends up in incinerators or landfills. Continental also uses up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance certified materials. These are sustainable synthetic rubber and carbon black made from biobased, bio-circular and/or circular feedstock.
UltraContact NXT has already won several awards since its launch, including the Sustainability Award at the Swiss Automotive Show Innovation Awards 2023, the International Design Award 2023, the German Innovation Award 2024 and the CLEPA Innovation Award 2024.
