Non-exhaust emissions are of growing environmental concern with tyre emissions under significant scrutiny. The EU-Commissioned research paper 'Plastics in the Marine Environment' found that tyres were the leading single cause of marine microplastics, amounting to 270 million tonnes per annum. It is crucial that as an industry, we develop our understanding of the nature and magnitude of this challenge.
The product of over two years of testing and evaluation, Emissions Analytics launches EQUA Tyre, an innovative organic compound profiling and benchmarking database, containing test results and raw data from independently sourced samples from over 40 manufacturers and hundreds of different models of tyre.
Tyres are a complex mix of components and compounds. To be able to separate and identify all the organic compounds, Emissions Analytics utilises two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to yield a unique and detailed chemical fingerprint for each tyre. The test method is designed to simulate the leaching of organic compounds over time from tyres and their wear products.
EQUA Tyre joins the broader stable of EQUA databases, comprising EQUA Tailpipe and EQUA Cabin for over 2,500 vehicles.
Research results show that certain product formulations lead to environmental impacts three times higher than alternative formulations. Consequently, tyres not only vary significantly in wear rates, but also in chemical composition and environmental effects.
The aim of EQUA Tyre is to bring transparency to an area that has historically been under-researched, and which is now in the spotlight because of ever-heavier vehicles and rapidly cleaning tailpipes.
This launch comes at an important time, as the European Union considers the potential new Euro 7 vehicle emissions regulation and whether to incorporate limits for non-exhaust emissions.
The purpose of the EQUA Tyre database is to furnish tyre OEMs and other suppliers, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental interested parties with access to a comprehensive, independent assessment of tyre composition.
This potentially points to the best ways to drive reductions in environmental and health impact through incentives to develop improved products. It further offers the opportunity to understand the sources of microplastics being observed in air, water and soil samples.
The resulting data is unique in the global tyre industry and the first major effort towards a comprehensive understanding of tyre composition affecting all matters, from tyre performance to environmental impact.
Access to this unique database will be available on corporate subscription and we are pleased also to offer confidential laboratory testing services to our partners globally.
On the launch of the database, Emissions Analytics' founder and chief executive officer, Nick Molden, commented: "Tyres are rapidly eclipsing the tailpipe as a major source of emissions from vehicles, but the nature of tyre wear is poorly understood. The new EQUA Tyre database marks a milestone in measurement, and which can offer a foundation for developing solutions."