Michelin Recognized as Leader in Tire Wear Particle Emission Reduction

Michelin, a leading global tire manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand, France, has been recognized by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) for the second consecutive year as the uncontested leader in reducing tire wear particle emissions. This distinction is particularly significant in light of recent regulations aimed at addressing environmental challenges posed by tire abrasion, which contributes to the generation of substantial roadway particles.

The ADAC's latest study, published in May 2024, evaluated 160 tire models across various brands and revealed that Michelin tires emitted 26% fewer particles compared to the average of their premium competitors. This finding builds upon a previous study released in 2021, which indicated that Michelin's tires emitted 28% fewer particles than the average of premium tires. The competitor with the closest emissions profile produced 20% more particles per kilometer driven and per metric ton transported than Michelin.

The issue of tire abrasion has garnered increased attention due to the Euro 7 Regulation, which was passed in July 2024, establishing stringent standards for measuring tire wear particle emissions across all tires sold in the European market. This regulation aims to significantly reduce the 500,000 metric tons of tire wear particles and road debris generated annually in Europe alone. As part of the new standard, tires failing to meet these requirements will no longer be marketable, underscoring the critical need for innovation in tire manufacturing.

Michelin has invested heavily in research and development over the past two decades, dedicating EUR 786 million in 2024 to further understand and mitigate tire abrasion. According to Michelin's Vice President of Research and Development, Dr. Henri Dupont, "Our commitment to innovation in tire design and material optimization has allowed us to decrease particle emissions by 5% between 2015 and 2020, equating to 100,000 metric tons of particles that did not enter the environment during this period."

The company's recent advancements include the MICHELIN Primacy 5 tire, which boasts a 14% reduction in particle emissions compared to its predecessor, the MICHELIN Primacy 4+. Furthermore, the new MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport tire, approved for winter use, has achieved a 23% reduction in emissions compared to the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5.

In a bid to further enhance its understanding of tire wear, Michelin announced the establishment of a joint laboratory with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the University of Clermont Auvergne, known as the BioDLab. The BioDLab aims to investigate the biodeterioration of tire wear particles and develop solutions to mitigate their environmental impact.

The implications of Michelin's advancements are significant not only for the automotive industry but also for broader environmental sustainability efforts. As governments worldwide increasingly prioritize climate action, Michelin's proactive stance in reducing tire wear emissions positions it as a frontrunner in sustainable mobility solutions.

Looking ahead, the tire industry is expected to face greater scrutiny and regulatory challenges as the Euro 7 Regulation comes into full effect. Michelin's ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability may prove crucial in navigating this evolving landscape, ensuring that it maintains its leadership position while contributing to global efforts to reduce environmental pollution.