Continental’s New Air Spring Rubber Compound Cuts CO2 Emissions by 50%

Continental has enhanced its material formulation for commercial vehicle air springs and will showcase its Tough RuNR air springs at the IAA Transportation in Hanover this September. The upgraded product features a material innovation by replacing synthetic rubber with a refined Natural Rubber, augmented with Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber (EPDM). This advancement has led to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the rubber compound by over 50% compared to traditional air springs. Additionally, the Tough RuNR air springs are engineered to perform effectively across a broader range of climate conditions, demonstrating resilience to both extreme heat and cold.

At the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany, starting September 17, Continental will not only unveil its new Tough RuNR air springs but also highlight its broader sustainability initiatives for air springs. Leveraging their deep expertise in materials science across various industries, Continental's specialists will outline their strategy to incorporate increased amounts of recycled materials, renewable resources, and bio-based materials into their rubber compounds. This approach reflects the company's commitment to advancing sustainability in its product offerings and aligns with its broader goals of environmental stewardship and innovation in the automotive sector.

Tough RuNR delivers an optimal blend of material properties, offering both dynamic performance and robust protection. Traditionally, manufacturers faced a trade-off with conventional air springs: they could choose air springs made from natural rubber for their resilience in extremely cold climates, or opt for chloroprene rubber air springs for their durability against harsh conditions like high temperatures, ozone exposure, or ultraviolet (UV) light. Tough RuNR resolves this by combining the strengths of both materials, providing comprehensive protection and adaptability across a wide range of environmental conditions.

Continental’s new natural rubber compound, enhanced with high-performance EPDM, is engineered to withstand both cold and hot climates, thereby mitigating material aging and protecting against adverse environmental factors. This advanced compound extends the lifespan of the material and enhances its resilience, making it suitable for a wider range of dynamic performance applications. The improved durability and versatility of this rubber compound allow it to excel in challenging conditions, offering superior performance and longevity compared to traditional materials.

Dr. Kevin Borck, head of Marketing and Strategy for Industrial Solutions EMEA at Continental, emphasizes that the company is well-equipped to address key concerns regarding sustainable components. With extensive material expertise, practical experience, and a strong understanding of economic feasibility, Continental is positioned to continually enhance the carbon footprint of their products. Their approach combines technical knowledge with economic insight to drive ongoing improvements in sustainability, ensuring that their solutions are both environmentally effective and economically viable.

Marc Leinemann, head of Product Platform Air Springs at Continental, highlights that Tough RuNR not only reflects the company's commitment to greener products but also illustrates their proactive approach in utilizing advances in sustainable materials. This initiative exemplifies Continental's dedication to continuous improvement, both in enhancing their products and in optimizing their customers’ applications.