Groundbreaking Report Offers Insights into Minimizing Environmental Impact of Tire Wear

Tire wear is not only generated during extreme manoeuvres, but also during every “normal” drive, releasing tire material into the environment. Image: istock

(IN BRIEF) Empa and wst21, in response to postulate Po 19.3559, have collaborated to address the significant environmental impact of tire wear, which accounts for a substantial portion of microplastics in the environment. Their comprehensive report, published recently, compiles various studies and proposes strategies for tire wear reduction. Tire wear isn’t solely generated during extreme maneuvers but occurs during routine driving, as tires continuously interact with road surfaces, releasing particles into the environment. Despite its pervasive presence, updated data on tire wear’s environmental effects is lacking, urging for enhanced research efforts. Strategies to mitigate tire wear encompass optimizing tire compounds, vehicle weight reduction, and promoting even driving habits. Efforts are also underway for international standardization to quantify tire wear consistently and establish limit values, critical for effective mitigation measures. This collaboration underscores a proactive approach towards curbing tire wear’s environmental footprint, fostering sustainable mobility practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 13-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Empa, the Swiss research institute for applied materials sciences and technology, in collaboration with wst21, has undertaken a pioneering initiative to address the significant environmental ramifications of tire wear. In response to postulate Po 19.3559, the two entities have released a groundbreaking report that consolidates findings from various studies and presents innovative strategies for tire wear reduction.

The Environmental Toll of Tire Wear:
Tire wear isn’t confined to extreme maneuvers but occurs during regular driving, with tire material constantly released into the environment. This wear, consisting of particles smaller than a few millimeters, constitutes a significant portion of microplastics, with Swiss studies estimating it to account for 90% of environmental microplastics. Despite its prevalence, tire wear remains underexamined in contemporary research.

Understanding Tire Wear and Its Fate:
Current estimates suggest around 1.4 kilograms of tire abrasion per inhabitant per year enter the environment, yet outdated data from the 1970s underpins much of our understanding. Toxicity levels vary depending on tire composition, with additives like ozone inhibitors posing threats to aquatic life. However, a quarter of tire abrasion is captured in road runoff treatment plants, suggesting room for improved containment methods.

Mitigating Tire Wear:
Numerous strategies exist for reducing tire wear, from optimizing rubber compounds to enhancing vehicle-specific factors like weight and tire pressure. While efforts to capture tire wear before it enters the environment are nascent, innovations like hazard warning systems and improved drainage systems show promise, particularly in mitigating the impact on urban areas.

Towards Standardization:
Crucially, international standardization in quantifying tire wear is needed to compare research findings effectively and set regulatory limits. Discussions within the UNECE indicate progress towards establishing standardized measurement procedures and EU-level regulations within the next five years.

Empa and wst21’s collaborative research underscores the urgency of addressing tire wear’s environmental impact and offers a roadmap towards sustainable solutions.

Further information
Dr. Panayotis Dimopoulos Eggenschwiler
Automotive Powertrain Technologies
Phone +41 58 765 43 37
panayotis.dimopoulos@empa.ch

Editor / Media Contact
Rémy Nideröst
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 45 98
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA