Tire and road wear particles
The friction between tire and road is essential to ensure drivers’ safety. However, the friction also leads to abrasion of both the tire and the road. The particles generated, known as Tire and Road Wear Particles (TRWP), are a mixture of tire tread fragments and road surface elements. These particles are commonly considered microplastics because of their size and composition.
TRWP generation and levels in the environment do not depend on tire design only. Several external factors, such as driving behavior, road and vehicle characteristics, and weather, can together have a bigger influence on the rate at which TRWP are formed. Therefore, to consider all these factors, solutions for TRWP require a holistic, science-based, and stakeholder-driven approach.
Euro 7, a new emission standard implemented in July 2025, sets additional limits for particulate emissions from brakes and tire wear, contributing to the European Green Deal’s zero-pollution ambition.
Currently, it is not possible to report tire abrasion for new type-approved tires until 2028, as there is no valid and official method in place. However, measurement methods are under development at both the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and ISO standardization levels. UNECE is a UN body that develops international regulations for vehicle safety and environmental standards, including those related to tire wear and emissions.