Tackling Microplastic Emissions: Tyre Industry Innovates for a Greener Road Ahead

Balancing Quality and Environmental Concerns, Industry Collaborates to Mitigate Tyre Wear Impact.

In a bid to address the environmental repercussions of microplastic emissions from tyres, the tire manufacturing industry is navigating the delicate balance between reducing emissions and maintaining high-quality standards.

Environmental Impact Assessment by ADAC

The Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), Europe's largest motoring association based in Germany, has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of tyre wear particles. This evaluation delves into both the environmental impact of these particles and their implications for tyre safety.

Unveiling Tyre and Road Wear Particles (TRWP)

Tyre and road wear particles (TRWP), often termed 'unintentionally released microplastics,' result from the friction between the road and tyre surface. According to the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), over 500,000 tonnes of tyre abrasion particles are produced annually in the European Union alone. These synthetic rubber particles contribute significantly to microplastic abrasions, making their way into soil and water.

Striking a Balance: Quality vs. Environmental Concerns

While the imperative to reduce tyre abrasion for environmental reasons is evident, manufacturers face the challenge of delivering high-quality, safe, and durable products. Friction, essential for providing grip and ensuring safety during driving, contributes to wear and increases microplastic emissions. Striking the right balance becomes crucial to meeting environmental goals without compromising product quality.

Standards and Collaborative Initiatives

The study of TRWP is intricate, and to address the challenge, several ISO standards have been introduced, including ISO/TS 22687 2018, providing a framework for assessing the environmental fate of tyre and road wear particles. The Tire Industry Project (TIP) under the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) led much of this work.

The European Tyre and Road Wear Particles Platform, launched in July 2018, acts as a collaborative forum. It brings together stakeholders, including the scientific community, international organisations, and industry players, to share knowledge and conduct research into mitigating the impact of TRWP.

Industry Innovation and Continuous Learning

Recognising the persistent challenge of tyre emissions, Fazilet Cinaralp, Secretary General of ETRMA, emphasises the need for continual innovation. The industry grapples with balancing tyre performance with factors such as diverse driving styles, vehicle types, and road conditions. The question extends beyond emission reduction to how released particles can be managed effectively.

Cinaralp notes, "It is a continuous process, not something to act on once and then forget about it; the learning needs to be refreshed continually." The collaborative efforts through platforms like ETRMA aim to catalyse initiatives globally, fostering joint actions to address microplastic emissions.

As the industry propels forward, the commitment to sustainability and innovation remains at the forefront, paving the way for a greener and more responsible road ahead.

A message from our sponsors, The Ideas Distillery: 

If you would like to look at how to implement an ISO 14001 environmental management system, then simply contact us.

Or, if you want to see what's involved in more detail, then get a completely free, no obligation, totally tailored ISO Gap Analysis for your business (only available to UK businesses).