Various mitigation measures for tyre particle pollution could be envisaged; the most direct is the limitation of the tyre abrasion rate, as proposed by the European Commission for the Euro 7 regulation. Other regulatory initiatives are also discussed.

This grip leads to the abrasion of both tire and road surface, producing tiny debris called tire and road wear particles (TRWP). We are committed to understanding any potential impacts of TRWP and contribute to the growing body of research on these particles.

Every year, tire abrasion alone generates around 100,000 tons of microplastics in Germany. Reducing this tire abrasion – just like avoiding CO ₂ emissions – is a sustainability aspect that has become increasingly important in tire optimization in recent years.

Hanover, Germany – Continental is pushing forward with efforts to reduce tire wear by using innovative technologies, carrying out cutting-edge research and actively participating in various industry initiatives.

The absence of fully-developed and standardized methods for tire abrasion testing and measuring TRWP in the environment makes it impossible to reliably compare the tire abrasion behavior of different tire types, determine thresholds, and control mitigation actions.

In the peer-reviewed article entitled "Re-view: Mitigation measures to reduce tire and road wear particles", technical and non-technical measures are described that can be used to prevent emissions from tire and road wear into the environment and reduce the quantities already released.

Continental is pushing forward with efforts to reduce tire wear by using innovative technologies, carrying out cutting-edge research and actively participating in various industry initiatives. The result: demonstrably lower environmental impact.

With the SUMERA project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM, with support from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, is developing a digital model that comprehensively simulates tire abrasion for the first time and makes emissions predictable.

A study prepared as part of the mFUND program of the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport states that the most common source of microplastic particles in the environment is the abrasion of car tires.

The presentation of the entry paths of tire wear into the environment and the hotspots of generation can be used to prioritise reduction measures. Measures should be implemented at a political level, technical solutions applied, and awareness raised among the general public.