HANOVER, Germany — Continental A.G. has helped develop a process it claims will allow polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from recycled plastic bottles to be used in processing polyester fibers that can be employed in tire reinforcement materials.
The company plans to begin employing such fibers in tires as early as next year, Continental said this week.
The operation will employ PET recycling technology developed jointly with Oriental Industries (Suzhou) Ltd. (OTIZ), a Chinese fibers producers, Conti said, noting that the mechanical process eliminates the need for intermediate chemical depolymerization steps and can provide raw materials that match the quality of virgin PET.
"This can completely replace conventional polyester," Continental, noting that the reinforcing yarn will be used in the construction of tire carcasses.