The automotive industry must meet new requirements in terms of product recycling. Recycling quotas have been mandatory since January 1, 2006 and will be further increased in 2015. The European Union (EU) directive on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) adopted in 2000 provided the impetus for wide-ranging innovations in product development. This directive regulates the return and recycling of ELVs up to a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tons. The directive addresses vehicle manufacturers and disposal companies operating in the field of vehicle recycling. The Continental divisions have already implemented the restrictions on the use of heavy metals in accordance with the European Union ELV directive in a timely manner. Responsibility for the disposal of old tires from the recovery of materials from ELVs lies with the vehicle manufacturer.

With about 600,000 tons of tires discarded annually in Germany, the recycling quota amounts to approximately 93 percent. The disposal chain begins with the tire dealers and ends with the tire disposal and recycling companies, which have been guaranteeing a range of recovery and recycling services to a high standard for years. Approximately 52 percent of scrap tires are used for the recovery of their materials and approximately 41 percent as a source of fuel. As a result, the tire industry is achieving significantly higher recycling quotas than comparable waste categories like glass (83 percent), steel (72 percent) or paper (61 percent). As for scrap tires, Continental regards itself as being a responsible player in the disposal chain, in which all those involved participate and gain entrepreneurial benefits in the long term.

For more information, please visit our website or www.conti-reg.de.