Continental Phases Out Coal, Fuel Oil in Tire Production

Continental announced it has eliminated coal and fuel oil as energy sources in its global tire manufacturing operations, completing a transition to alternative energy sources across all plants. 

Since January, all of the company’s tire production facilities have shifted to a mix of biomass, biogas, electricity generated from renewable sources, and fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas. 

The German company — which operates 22 plants across Mexico — said the transition is intended to secure a stable energy supply while reducing emissions and strengthening operational resilience.

“By relying on an intelligent combination of energy sources— increasingly renewable and, where possible, generated directly on site—we are making our manufacturing more independent and therefore more resilient,” said Bernhard Trilken, senior vice president of manufacturing and logistics for tires, Continental.

According to Henning Mühlenstedt, head of Future Technologies and Sustainable Infrastructure at Continental Tires, the emissions reductions are the result of sustained investments in energy transformation and infrastructure upgrades. Until the early 2020s, seven of the company’s 19 tire plants relied on coal or fuel oil to generate steam for production processes. Today, all facilities operate using diversified combinations of alternative energy sources.

Continental reported that the changes have reduced the greenhouse gas intensity of its tire production by more than 70% compared with 2019 levels. Over the past four years, the transition has helped avoid approximately 180,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The company implemented plant-specific strategies as part of the shift. In Gqeberha, South Africa, coal was replaced with biomass and LPG. At the Kalutara facility in Sri Lanka, the installation of a second biomass boiler enabled the elimination of fuel oil. In Otrokovice, Czech Republic, cooperation with a regional energy supplier supported a transition to biomass and natural gas.

The company said these changes were made possible through long-term investments and a diversified energy strategy applied across its global manufacturing footprint.

Continental’s emissions reduction efforts were recognized last year by CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), which awarded the company an A- rating for climate transparency and emissions reduction initiatives.

The announcement comes as the tire sector in Mexico has made significant progress in advancing more sustainable operations. While Continental has focused on transitioning to alternative fuels across its Mexican plants, Bridgestone has reduced water consumption by 19% through the use of Bandag technology and recycling systems. Its plant in Cuernavaca has achieved a 96% landfill diversion rate and operates a full water treatment system. The company aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Meanwhile, Michelin launched its Primacy 5 tire in Mexico in August 2025, offering a 6% lower environmental impact than its predecessor. Designed for sedans and SUVs — including electric vehicles — the tire delivers an 18% longer lifespan, improved rolling resistance and enhanced wet braking. Its optimized design also reduces noise and improves ride comfort, aligning with evolving consumer preferences.