Michelin recognised by ADAC for tire wear particle reduction

Clermont-Ferrand, France – The German automobile association (ADAC) has recognised Michelin for a second time as a leader in the reduction of tire wear particle (TWP) emissions.

The recognition followed a study on 160 tire models across all brands, conducted in April and May 2024, Michelin said in a 3 July statement.

The study found that Michelin tires emitted 26% fewer particles compared to their “premium competitors’ average.”

The result confirms a previous study published by ADAC in 2021, which demonstrated that Michelin tires emitted 28% fewer particles than the average for premium tires.

Michelin’s closest competitor, the French group said, emitted 20% more particles per kilometre driven and per tonne transported.

Hankook and Continental ranked second and third in the ADAC study.

“These results illustrate the innovative efforts made by Michelin to offer tires that perform throughout their lives, combining excellent lifespan, reduced particle emissions, and minimal raw material consumption,” Michelin said.

Stressing its commitment to reducing TWP emissions, Michelin said it had cut wear emissions from its tires by 5% between 2015 and 2020.

This represents the equivalent of 100 kilotonnes of particles not released over this period, the French group added.

To improve the figure even further, Michelin said it has been “investing heavily” in research and development to understand tire abrasion, with €786 million allocated to R&D in 2024.

“The group is relying on its mastery of materials and a design strategy that has historically been focused on optimising the use of raw materials,” it added.

Tire abrasion is a global challenge and a key target of the Euro 7 Regulation in Europe.

According to Michelin, in Europe alone, road transport generates 500 kilotonnes per year of TWP.

The Euro 7 standard, which comes into force in November next year, introduces testing methods and emission limits for tire-wear particles (TWP) from all tires sold on the European market.

Tires entering the European market will be required to comply with these requirements.

Click here for full ADAC study