Invisible Markers in Tires Ensure Greater Transparency in the Natural Rubber Supply Chain

Continental and Security Matters (SMX) have succeeded for the first time in verifying beyond doubt a marker substance throughout the tire production process.

> Marker substance allows geographical origin of raw materials to be verified

> Field testing successfully completed - marker substance can be verified beyond doubt throughout tire production process

> In the long term, Continental plans to use the marker substance on a large scale in rubber products

Hanover, Germany, December 7, 2022. Continental and Security Matters (SMX), an innovative tech platform specializing in digital tracking using unalterable chemical-based barcodes, have succeeded for the first time in verifying beyond doubt a marker substance for natural rubber in a tire, and thus throughout the entire production process. The dedicated marker technology, which both companies optimized for use in natural rubber, is designed to create greater transparency along the entire value chain of tires and technical rubber products from Continental. Provided with special security features, the use of the marker substances enables the invisible marking of natural rubber with information on its geographical origin. This

Marker substances allow natural rubber to be invisibly marked with information pertaining to its geographical origin.

means, for example, that responsibly sourced natural rubber and its origin can be verified at every stage of the supply chain all the way to the customer. By doing so, Continental is further strengthening its pioneering role in its commitment to greater transparency along its supply chain. By 2050 at the latest, all materials that Continental uses in its tire production will originate from responsible sources.

"We see huge potential in marker technology. In the future, it will help us to ensure that the natural rubber we use in our tires is grown and sourced entirely responsibly.