New European Union legislation stipulates that by January 1, 2010 highly aromatic oils may not longer be used in Europe. Continental is taking a sustainable and far-sighted approach: Although this legislation only applies to tires manufactured in Europe or imported into Europe, the changeover process covers all Continental tire plants throughout the world, including the new plant in Camaçari, Brazil.

Aromatic oils with a high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content are prohibited according to this EU law, despite the fact they cannot be released from either the tire or abraded tire particulates through natural solvents (rain water). Aromatic oils are used in tire manufacturing as key components in compounding technology in order to achieve certain safety-related performance characteristics.

Already in 1995 Continental began replacing highly aromatic oils with alternatives. In the meantime, all of its European tire plants have made the switch to eco-friendly oils. The research & development team has set itself the goal of completing the switch worldwide by the end of 2009 at the latest.