Shanghai (ZXZC)- On October 22, Benecke Changshun Eco Trim (Changzhou) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Surface Solutions Business Unit under Continental's ContiTech, announced the official opening of its plant's third phase.

This development underscores Continental's ongoing commitment to green, smart production and strengthens its localization strategy to serve the growing demand for sustainable automotive interior materials in China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Photo credit: Continental 

The Changzhou plant's third phase, which adds approximately 9.2 mu (around 6,000 square meters) to the existing site, includes a 12,000-square-meter production facility, a 3,200-square-meter raw material warehouse, and 1,500 square meters of additional support infrastructure. An existing factory area of 1,000 square meters was also renovated. The expanded facility will focus on producing Acella, a high-performance, eco-friendly surface material used in automotive interiors. Once fully operational, the expansion will increase the plant’s annual production capacity by 13 million square meters of composite materials, bringing its total output to 35 million square meters per year.

Continental has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming for carbon-neutral production by 2040 and carbon neutrality across its entire value chain by 2050. ContiTech is playing a critical role in this mission by expanding its range of eco-friendly products and adopting energy-saving production processes to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Changzhou plant, embracing a green and intelligent manufacturing philosophy, is committed to achieving full carbon-neutral production by 2030. As ContiTech's first green demonstration plant in the Asia-Pacific region, the facility has implemented advanced energy-saving technologies and intelligent management strategies. Key initiatives include installing rooftop solar panels, a WiriTec energy management system, wastewater recycling, an expanded bio-exhaust treatment system, and innovative heating technology such as NIR heaters. These measures are expected to reduce annual natural gas consumption by 1.7 million cubic meters, cut CO₂ emissions by 4,247 tonnes, decrease hazardous waste by 30%, and lower overall energy consumption by 3%.

In addition to its sustainability efforts, the Changzhou plant has integrated smart production technologies, including automated defect detection systems, identification systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and sample delivery robots. These innovations have improved production efficiency while ensuring higher product quality.

According to Continental, its Acella surface material has been a trusted solution in the automotive interior industry for over 125 years, known for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and design versatility. The material, made using Continental's innovative staynu technology, boasts superior environmental and health benefits, including stain resistance, easy cleaning, and excellent processing performance. Acella's low odor and low emissions further distinguish it from other synthetic leather products.

Since the Changzhou plant began operations in 2014, it has kept pace with the rapid development of new energy and intelligent vehicles in China, significantly increasing production capacity of Acella. By 2023, the plant had produced more than 150 million square meters of Acella material.