Continental Re-elected as Co-Chair of Global Tire Industry Sustainability Initiative
Continental sustainability leadership was reinforced as the company was re-elected Co-Chair of the Tire Industry Project (TIP) for another term running from 2026 to 2029. TIP is the global tyre industry’s leading collaboration forum addressing sustainability challenges throughout the tyre lifecycle, from raw materials to end-of-life management. Continental AG
Continental has been involved with TIP since its foundation in 2005 and will continue to contribute expertise and resources to key thematic areas such as tire and road wear particle research, end-of-life tyre management, sustainability assessment methods, and supply chain transparency.
As one of TIP’s founding members, Continental works alongside other major tyre makers that together represent more than 60 % of global tyre production capacity. The re-election underscores Continental’s role in shaping the strategic direction of tyre sustainability efforts at an industry level.
Christian Kötz, Head of Continental Tires and Executive Board Member at Continental AG, said the company is honoured to continue co-chairing TIP, noting that the platform fosters collaboration not only within the tyre industry but also with academia and other partners working on shared environmental challenges.
TIP operates under the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and focuses on tackling complex sustainability issues such as tyre wear emissions, circular economy practices, and improving transparency across tyre value chains.
Editor’s View
The re-election of Continental sustainability leadership as co-chair of the Tire Industry Project signals more than corporate prestige; it highlights how seriously the tyre sector is treating environmental and social challenges at a global level. TIP is one of the few platforms where competitors work together on cross-industry issues like tyre wear particles, sustainable sourcing, and end-of-life tyre management, all of which affect regulators, OEMs, and consumers alike.
For the tyre market, sustainability is no longer a side project. It’s becoming a defining factor in innovation and market access. Manufacturers are under pressure from governments, international bodies, and fleet customers to disclose impacts, reduce emissions, and improve material circularity. Collaboration through initiatives like TIP helps align reporting standards, share scientific insights, and accelerate best practices, which benefits the entire supply chain, including suppliers, OEMs, and aftermarket players.
From raw rubber procurement to tyre design, use, and recycling, sustainability touches every stage. Continental’s continued leadership role suggests a commitment to driving industry-wide progress, rather than pursuing unilateral wins. That’s good for tyres, good for customers, and increasingly essential for long-term competitiveness in a world where environmental credentials matter as much as performance specs.
