Hanover, Germany, March 12, 2025 – Thirty years ago, Continental pioneered a revolution in tyre technology by incorporating silica into its tread compounds for the first time. This breakthrough significantly enhanced driving safety and energy efficiency, setting new industry standards. Since then, silica has largely replaced carbon black in tread compounds, contributing to reduced rolling resistance and nearly halving braking distances on wet roads.
The Game-Changing Role of Silica in Tyre Compounds
“Silica in rubber compounds was a revolution in tyre technology, enabling us to almost halve braking distances on wet road surfaces. This is still an enormous safety gain today,” says Prof. Burkhard Wies, Head of Applied Research and Innovation at Continental Tires. Wies, who played a key role in the early development of silica-infused tyres in the 1990s, emphasises that the material not only enhances safety but also contributes to sustainability by reducing rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance translates to improved fuel efficiency for combustion engines and extended range for electric vehicles.
The fundamental advantage of silica lies in its unique surface properties, which enable it to form chemical bonds with rubber polymers during the vulcanisation process. This strengthens the molecular structure of the tyre, resulting in superior grip, reduced wear, and overall improved performance. By the mid-1990s, Continental was among the first tyre manufacturers to realise silica’s potential and invest in its development.
A Landmark Innovation: From Lab to Road
In 1994, Continental conducted its first road tests with silica-based compounds, showcasing dramatic improvements in wet braking and rolling resistance compared to conventional carbon black-filled tyres. The following year saw the launch of the ContiEcoContact CP, the first production tyre featuring silica. By 1996, Continental introduced the ContiWinterContact TS 770, the first winter tyre to benefit from the enhanced grip and durability provided by silica.
These innovations aligned with broader advancements in automotive safety, complementing technologies such as seat belts and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). As Wies notes, “Together with passive safety measures, the use of silica in tyres has contributed to a significant reduction in road casualties.”
Advancing Sustainability: Silica from Rice Husk Ashes
As Continental continues to push the boundaries of tyre technology, sustainability remains a key focus. One of the company’s latest developments involves producing silica from rice husk ashes—an agricultural by-product that cannot be used for food or feed. This process is more energy-efficient than extracting silica from conventional quartz sand and reduces environmental impact.
Silica derived from rice husk ashes is already being used in Continental’s most sustainable production tyre to date, the UltraContact NXT. This innovation underscores the company’s commitment to developing high-performance tyres while minimising resource consumption and carbon emissions.
The Future of Tyre Innovation
Looking ahead, Continental is dedicated to further refining its silica technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The integration of advanced fillers and rubber compounds continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility. As the automotive industry moves toward electrification and carbon neutrality, Continental’s pioneering work with silica ensures that tyre performance keeps pace with evolving vehicle technologies.
With three decades of silica-driven advancements behind it, Continental remains at the forefront of tyre innovation—paving the way for safer, more sustainable, and higher-performing tyres in the years to come.
