Since January 1, 2010, the use of highly aromatic oils is prohibited by law throughout the EU. The approach taken at Continental is sustainable and far-sighted. Although this legislation applies only to tires manufactured in the EU or imported into the EU, the change is being implemented at all Continental tire plants worldwide.

The EU law prohibits aromatic oils with a high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content, even though natural solvents (rain water) cannot cause the oils to be released from either the tire or tire abrasion particles. Aromatic oils are used in tire manufacturing as key compounding components to achieve certain safety-related performance characteristics.

Already back in 1995 Continental started using alternatives in place of highly aromatic oils and began steering its European tire plants in the direction of eco-friendly oils. At the end of 2009, the R&D team was able to successfully conclude the process worldwide.