What is the main problem?
Car tyres, through abrasion on road surfaces, release tiny particles known as tyre wear particles (TWPs), which pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. These particles accumulate in soils and water bodies, contributing to microplastic pollution in rivers and oceans. Roadside drainage systems play a major role in transporting these particles into aquatic environments, while wind can carry them long distances through the atmosphere. Improper tyre disposal and reuse also contribute to microplastic generation. These particles, similar in size to traffic pollution, contain various harmful compounds, posing health risks. Addressing TWP emissions is challenging due to the central role of vehicles in society, with projected increases in road traffic, including electric vehicles, exacerbating the issue.
Additionally, the passenger car fleet is growing larger and more potent, particularly with the rise of sport utility vehicles. Without intervention, pollution from tyre wear particles (TWPs) is likely to escalate.
Hence, urgent measures are necessary to:
(1) reduce car tyre particle emissions,
(2) minimize their entry into land and aquatic systems, and
(3) mitigate their toxicological impact on both biota and human health.
Challenges
Presently, there’s no specific EU regulation directly targeting TWP emissions. However, existing regulations like the Euro emissions standards indirectly affect tyre wear emissions by setting limits on vehicle particle emissions. Moreover, the Tyre Labelling Regulation encourages the production of fuel-efficient and eco-friendly tyres, indirectly aiding in reducing tyre wear emissions. Nonetheless, regulations should adopt a more comprehensive approach, promoting the adoption of emission-reducing technologies, alternative transportation modes, responsible tyre disposal practices, and increasing scientific and public awareness.
In the context of the LabPlas project, understanding the fate and transport behavior of plastic, particularly from TWPs, is crucial. Identifying their main sources, fragmentation processes, and impact on biota and human health is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies.
The generation of tyre wear particles (TWPs) is influenced by various factors such as tyre and vehicle characteristics, road surface, driving behavior, and weather conditions. However, one of the greatest policy challenges lies in the limited understanding of TWPs and their influencing factors, exacerbated by recent concerns about their environmental impact and detection method limitations. This creates significant knowledge gaps regarding TWP sources, emission drivers, fate, and impacts on the environment and human health.
Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort in technology development and research to devise effective mitigation measures. The LabPlas project aims to contribute to overcoming these obstacles by firstly developing reliable analytical methods for detecting microplastics and tyre wear markers in environmental samples. This will enable the evaluation of runoff waters’ contribution to microplastic emissions. Additionally, the project seeks to identify the main sources, transport mechanisms, and fate of microplastics and TWPs, aiming to fill knowledge gaps and propose targeted mitigation measures to reduce their environmental impact.
Policy Recommendations
Enhanced Drainage System
Invest in clean-up and retention technologies within road networks to capture emitted particles, reducing environmental accumulation.
Promoting Sustainable Transportation
Encourage a shift from car journeys to public transport and rail, effectively reducing particle emissions associated with vehicle travel distances.
Technology Adoption
Incentivize the research and adoption of technologies to minimize plastic release from tyre wear, emphasizing durable and natural materials to improve tyre lifespan.
Regulatory Standards
Ensure regulations on plastic pollution reduction consider TWPs, including tyre types and environmental conditions influencing abrasion.
Chemical Regulation
Regulate additives in tyre production, promoting safer alternatives and transparency through certification systems for informed consumer decisions.
International Collaboration
Partner with global stakeholders to enforce effective policies and regulations, recognizing the global nature of tyre manufacturing and distribution.
Responsible Disposal
Mandate tyre retailers to take back used tyres, fostering sustainable end-of-life programs and incentivizing vehicle owners to transition to eco-friendly models. Promote sustainable mobility solutions and prioritize road maintenance to reduce tyre wear and environmental impact.
Public Awareness
Encourage research and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the environmental impact of TWPs and plastic pollution from tyre emissions.
Research and Development
Foster R&D efforts to standardize sampling and analytical methods, advancing our understanding of TWP-related issues.
You can download our complete policy recommendation here: