1,000 times more toxic than exhaust gas. Who will take care of tire pollution?
With the increase in the number of cars, automobile exhaust pollution has received more and more attention. But in cars, in addition to exhaust pollution, tire pollution has now become a focus of attention.
Tire pollution is more serious than exhaust pollution. Who will supervise it?
A study by the British testing agency Emission Analytics shows that pollutants caused by car tire wear are more than 1,000 times more serious than exhaust emissions. But there is currently no legislation to limit the generation of non-exhaust emissions.
In order to test the accuracy of the data, Emission Analytics used a brand new family hatchback model. During the test, the car emitted 5.8 grams of particulate matter per kilometer. The European limit for exhaust particulate matter emissions per kilometer is 4.5 mg, a difference of 1,288 times.
It was previously reported that California is expected to become the first local government to require tire companies to prove that they are seeking alternatives to 6PPD tire additives. 6PPD, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, CAS No. 793-24-8, is often used as a rubber anti-aging agent. 6PPD is a chemical that helps reduce wear when car tires rub against roads.
Studies have found that after 6PPD reacts with ozone in the air, it will become a substance called "6PPD-Quinone". If 6PPD-Quinone flows into rivers with rainwater, it will not only pollute the air, but also cause water pollution. On November 10, 2022, the European Commission announced the proposal for the "European Stage VII Emission Standard" (Euro 7) on its official website and recommended its implementation.
For the first time, the new standard also sets standards for air pollution caused by brakes and tires, and automobile nitrogen oxide emissions are also included for the first time. A series of reports show that tire pollution is increasingly valued, and early governance is urgent.
Seeking alternatives to 6PPD
For tire pollution, in addition to the government formulating policies and regulations, some tires are also developing new materials to reduce tire pollution.
Some companies have said they are seeking alternatives to 6PPD and studying tires that do not emit toxic substances including 6PPD. In terms of sustainable materials, two tires with sustainable material contents of 45% and 58% were launched last year, suitable for passenger cars and buses respectively.
In addition, the tire factory will increase the proportion of sustainable materials in tires to 40% in 2030, and achieve 100% tires made of bio-sourced, renewable or recyclable materials in 2050.
Hankook and Kumho cooperate to develop environmentally friendly tires
On May 23, 2023, Kumho Petrochemical and Hankook Tire signed a memorandum of understanding. Kumho Petrochemical supplies eco-high-performance solution styrene butadiene rubber (Eco-SSBR) to Hankook Tire to develop environmentally friendly tires and conduct business cooperation.
According to the information, Eco-SSBR is an ecological tire material that uses recycled styrene (RSM) instead of styrene, the raw material of high-performance synthetic rubber SSBR. RSM is a substance made from waste plastics. If it is used as a raw material for synthetic rubber, it can reduce carbon emissions in the supply chain.
Goodyear: Eco-friendly concept tire uses special carbon black technology
Previously, Goodyear developed and launched an eco-friendly concept tire, which has a sustainable material content of up to 70%, uses 13 special ingredients, and involves 9 different tire parts. This tire uses special carbon black technology, which can enhance the strength of the tread rubber formula and extend the service life of the tire.
The product uses three different carbon blacks, made of methane, carbon dioxide and plant-based oil. Goodyear's new carbon black manufacturing process helps reduce carbon emissions. In addition, this tire also uses innovative ingredients such as soybean oil, unique silica made from rice husk ash, and technical grade polyester.
Bridgestone: Expand the proportion of renewable energy applications
Recently, Bridgestone converted all the electricity consumed by 6 tire factories and 1 steel cord factory in Japan to renewable energy.
Bridgestone's goal is to reduce absolute carbon dioxide emissions by 50% compared to 2011 by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, renewable energy has been used in all Bridgestone factories in Europe and 2 factories in Tianjin and Wuxi, China.
Bridgestone has also begun using solar energy in its factories in Japan, Thailand, the United States and Europe. In short, everyone should pay attention to the inconspicuous tire pollution, prepare for a rainy day, and look for alternative solutions in advance, so that tire companies can also develop sustainably.
Of course, alternative solutions may not be realized in a short time, but if companies can actively invest in research and development, I believe that in the near future, the tire pollution problem will be properly solved.
