Continental Makes Final Round of German Sustainability Award 2025 – Twice
Continental has made it to the final round in two categories of this year’s prestigious German Sustainability Award, which honors companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable transformation. This year, for the first time, it recognizes not only entire companies, but also individual products. The jury nominated Continental in both categories, underscoring the technology company’s commitment to sustainability and future-oriented development.
Its nomination in the “Plastics and Rubber Industry” sector of the “Companies” competition is proof of Continental’s systematic implementation of its sustainability ambition. Together with its partners along the value chain, the company aims to achieve 100 percent carbon neutrality, 100 percent emission-free mobility and industry, 100 percent responsible value chains and a 100 percent circular economy by 2050 at the latest. Continental is working to promote innovative technologies and sustainable solutions throughout its value chain – from the procurement of sustainable materials to recycling. We are not waiting until 2050; we are already making great strides forward today. The UltraContact NXT, one of the most sustainable tires on the market and the most sustainable in Continental’s portfolio, is an important step toward achieving these ambitious sustainability goals. With more than 150 years of proven materials expertise, we see current trends and challenges as an opportunity to develop new, high-quality solutions for a wide range of industries.
In the “Products” competition, Continental impressed the jury in the transformation field of “Resources” with its skai VyP Coffee upholstery fabric. Here, waste coffee grounds are used as a filler in an innovative upholstery material. The result is a hybrid structure featuring good ventilation and moisture-wicking properties as well as outstanding comfort – especially in places where people spend lengthy periods of time. With its classic grain and authentic color, the artificial leather is both elegant and sustainable – since it is made from 65 percent natural, renewable and recycled ingredients, including coffee grounds. In fact, one square meter of the material contains the same amount of coffee grounds from brewing three cups of coffee. The material is also breathable and air permeable, thanks to laif technology, and also has excellent acoustic properties. Thanks to its natural components, skai VyP Coffee is exceptionally efficient to produce. Conventional chemical raw materials have been largely replaced by sustainable ones, and the electricity required is generated carbon-neutral.
Continental previously won the German Sustainability Award in 2020
By participating in both finals, the technology company has the chance to win this prestigious award once again. Back in 2020, Continental won first place in the “Responsible Design” category with its Urban Taraxagum bicycle tire, the first production tire to contain dandelion rubber. The jury of experts praised the production of the bicycle tire as well as its tread and sidewall design. Link: https://www.continental.com/en/sustainability/news/archive/news-2020/2020-12-04-german-sustainability-award/
The German Sustainability Award
This year, the German Sustainability Award is being presented for the 17th time. First bestowed in 2008, it is one of the most important European awards in environmental protection and climate change mitigation. The initiative was launched by the German Sustainability Award Foundation. It is held in cooperation with the German government, the German Council for Sustainable Development, business associations, civil society organizations and research institutions. According to a recent study by the University of Hohenheim and the German Federal Environmental Foundation, the prize is the best known and one of the three most credible of the 141 sustainability prizes awarded in Germany. The award ceremony will take place on November 28, 2024, as part of the German Sustainability Day in Düsseldorf.