Tire majors to fund new research into tire-dust impact

Kyoto, Japan — Leaders of 11 major tire companies have agreed to fund further research into the impact of tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) on the environment.

The decision was taken at a meeting in Kyoto of the Tire Industry Project (TIP) – a global CEO-led initiative to research potential human-health and environmental impacts of tires throughout their lifecycle. 

Prompted by a new study on the subject, the research into TRWP over the next two years will include "numerous projects" probing the issue, TIP said in a statement 22 Nov.

The projects include: Extended sampling of TRWP presence in air, rivers, soil, estuaries: Analysing the degradation of TRWP:  Modelling TRWP fate in the environment; and Investigating the potential health impacts on organisms from long-term exposure to TRWP.

In agreeing new funding, the CEOs acknowledged the significance of a 2019 study, "Evaluation of tire wear contribution to PM2.5 in urban environments," published by the Environmental Research Group at King's College, London.

That study demonstrated that TRWP are a minor contributor to airborne particulate in three major cities.

TIP operates under the umbrella of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and is currently co-chaired by Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin.

Representing approximately 65% of the world's tire manufacturing capacity, TIP member CEOs meet biennially to review project progress and approve a two-year work plan. 

In alphabetical order, TIP member companies are: Bridgestone Corp., Continental AG, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, Hankook Tire Co., Ltd., Kumho Tire Co., Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin, Pirelli & C. SpA, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., The Yokohama Rubber Co.