Michelin, uncontested leader in tire wear particle reduction: new recognition by the ADAC and its million members*

Last May, ADAC, the German automobile association famed for the severity of its tests, published a new study on 160 tire models covering all brands. According to this, Michelin tires emitted 26% less particles than their premium competitor’s average. A result that confirms a previous study published in 2021, which already demonstrated that Michelin tires emitted 28% less particles than the average for premium tires. Michelin’s closest competitor emitted 20% more particles, per kilometer driven and per metric ton transported.

These results illustrate the innovative efforts made by Michelin to offer tires that perform throughout their lives, combining excellent lifespan, reduced particle emissions, and minimum raw material consumption. This approach naturally results in tires that emit few particles. The ADAC study also demonstrates that this performance can be associated with a very high safety level.

Tire abrasion, a global challenge targeted by the Euro 7 Regulation in Europe

In Europe alone, road transport generates approximately 500,000 metric tons of tire wear and roadway particles every year.

The Euro 7 standard, which was passed in July 2024, will allow for measuring global wear particle emissions for all tires sold on the European market. It will no longer be possible to market tires that do not meet the requirements of this standard.

The objective is clear: significantly reduce the amount of tire particles emitted in Europe.

Michelin, committed to understanding and reducing tire abrasion for almost 20 years

Michelin has been innovating for over 20 years to reduce the abrasion phenomenon, the result of contact between the tire and the road. This commitment has allowed for developing innovations that reduced the wear emissions from its tires by 5% between 2015 and 2020. These advances represent the equivalent of 100,000 metric tons of particles that have not been released over this period, with the aim of improving this figure even further in the next few years.

To achieve this, Michelin is investing heavily in research and development (EUR 786 million in 2024) in order to better understand the abrasion phenomenon. The Group is relying on its mastery of materials and on a design strategy that has historically been focused on optimizing the use of raw materials.

For example, the all-new MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport**, a summer tire approved for winter use (3PMSF certified), reduces particle emissions by 23% compared to the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5, the summer tire in the same category.

At the end of 2023, Michelin announced the creation of a joint laboratory with the CNRS and the University of Clermont Auvergne: the BioDLab. Its mission is to better understand the biodeterioration of wear particles and to develop tools that allow for offering real solutions for these to be assimilated by the environment.

Through these initiatives, Michelin intends to further increase its understanding of the tire wear phenomenon and their deterioration process. There are several objectives: reduce emissions, provide scientific responses, and develop real technical solutions. An approach that demands rigor and constant investment.

^{*ADAC: Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club}

^{** Test in the 225/40R18 92Y size between MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE 3 SPORT and PILOT SPORT5 in the Tire Advisor 2024.}

ADAC study can be found via this link (pdf)

Photos available here

About Michelin

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.

Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.

The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.

Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.