- The first hot retreaded ContiRe EcoPlus HT3 from the ContiLifeCycle plant in Hanover
- Optimized rolling resistance, low weight, and long service life
- Considerable cost reductions for fleet operators
- Continental provides the same guarantee for ContiRe products as for new tires
Continental’s 3rd generation products for the premium commercial vehicle segment are redefining the tire market. The market launch of the new generation of the Conti EcoPlus tire family is now underway, with consistent focus on long-haul use and regional distribution. As with all 3rd generation Continental tires, the new range of tires is based on an improved, retreadable premium casing with reinforced steel cord beads, and is completely regroovable. The first hot retreaded 3rd generation tires are now leaving the ContiLifeCycle plant in Hanover.
The ContiRe EcoPlus HT3 is the retreaded version of the new trailer tire Conti EcoPlus HT3. Its newly adapted polymer rubber compounds for treads and sidewalls, its stable, closed shoulder belts, and the improved tread concept “Plus Volume Pattern” significantly improve rolling resistance (with a decrease of up to 26 percent) and handling characteristics of the new tire. The optimized grip in the newly adjusted tread compound transfers the trailer’s cornering forces and high share of the braking torque to the road. In addition, the pyramid-shaped triangular ribs integrated into the base of the tread groove stabilize the trailer tire against flexing in the tread width.
The ContiRe EcoPlus HT3 maintains the same benefits of the new tire, Conti EcoPlus HT3, thanks in part to the design of all Continental commercial vehicle tires, which already takes retreading into account during product development. Equally beneficial is the integrated approach of the innovative ContiLifeCycle plant where Continental is aligning the production of retreaded tires for trucks and buses to new tire production by combining the use of techniques from new tire production and refined retreading technologies. Continentals’ own rubber recycling system is also an essential component of the ContiLifeCycle plant. The tread powder that arises during buffing is put through a series of innovative processing steps, so that the curing process is reversed. The recycled rubber produced is of such a high quality that it can be used for new tire compounds. Through this recycling process, the amount of waste can be reduced by more than 80 percent with significant CO2 savings.
Christian Sass, head of Truck Tires Retreading EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) explains the efficiency of retreaded tires: “Premium retreading significantly helps fleet operators and carriers reduce their tire costs by up to 25 percent. This generates the lowest overall driving costs within our ContiLifeCycle. The lower consumption of valuable resources such as natural rubber and the production energy that is reduced by up to 70 percent compared with new tire production also improve the environmental impact of hauliers.”
As with all Continental truck tires, the new ContiRe EcoPlus HT3 also features our patented AirKeep® innerliner to prevent gradual loss of air pressure. All retreaded ContiRe tires also benefit from the same manufacturer guarantees as for new tires.
