CEOs from eleven of the world’s leading tyre companies in Europe, Japan, South Korea and the US met recently in the US to review an international research project studying the potential environmental and health impacts of tyre materials and tyre road wear particles and set a forward-looking agenda for continuing research.
The CEOs formed the Tyre Industry Project (TIP) in 2005. Working under the umbrella of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), TIP’s goal is to identify and address the potential health and environmental impacts of materials associated with tyre making and use. TIP represents approximately 70% of the world’s tyre manufacturing capacity.
After TIP’s creation, a multi-year research programme was initiated to examine issues related to materials used in yire manufacturing, and to examine the fate and impacts of tyre and road wear particles (TRWP) generated during normal product use. TIP retained ChemRisk, a California-based risk assessment consultant, to assist with this work.
Following extensive toxicity testing of TRWP in water and sediment, additional testing on airborne TRWP has now been completed. These tests showed no adverse effects from inhalation exposure to the TRWP. Environmental sampling for TRWP was conducted globally including locations on the Seine River watershed in France; Chesapeake Bay watershed in the US and the Yodo River watershed in Japan. The research showed the concentrations of TRWP in air and sediment were low and do not pose a health or environmental risk. Preliminary results will be presented at scientific conferences, with results to be documented and submitted for publication in peer reviewed journals.
At the meeting, the CEOs also approved the development of an industry-specific best-practices guide for R&D and industrialisation of new nanomaterials. The CEOs have high expectations that the development of new nanomanterials in tyres will benefit customers and the environment and understand the need to ensure that any nanomaterial use is safe for humans and the environment. Potential improvements from new nanomaterials include increased car and truck fuel efficiency and durability, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and tire weight.
TIP is exploring the development of this guide in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).
TIP has previously published information on international end-of-life tyre (ELT) management and has worked with tyre industry associations to develop a manual for effective ELT management systems, released in 2010. This manual, endorsed by the TIP CEOs, is built on experiences in countries and regions where ELT management systems are in place, and has been actively distributed within the TIP companies and through national tyre manufacturers’ trade associations. TIP is also actively involved in promoting effective ELT management in countries around the world.
By taking an early look at industry issues, TIP works to more fully understand environmental and health challenges pertinent to the tire industry and formulate an approach for making the industry more sustainable.
Participating companies are: Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho Tire, Michelin, Pirelli, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Toyo Tire and Yokohama Rubber. Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin have served as co-leaders of the group’s work to date.(PRA)
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