Michelin champions reliable testing in push for cleaner mobility under Euro 7 Regulation
Paris, France – Michelin is taking a firm stance in support of the European Union’s Euro 7 regulation, which for the first time sets limits on tire wear particle emissions—a major source of environmental pollution. With road transport in Europe generating nearly 500,000 metric tons of tire wear particles annually, the regulation marks a pivotal shift toward sustainable mobility.
Adopted in April 2024, Euro 7 introduces particle emission thresholds for all tires sold in the European market. Tires that exceed these limits will be banned, incentivizing manufacturers to innovate and reduce environmental impact. Michelin, a pioneer in tire sustainability, has long advocated for stringent standards and has invested heavily in research and development to reduce tire abrasion over the past two decades.
Central to the regulation is the debate over testing methods. Michelin strongly supports real-world on-road testing, which measures emissions in grams per kilometer per ton of load. This method, developed in collaboration with the European automotive industry and endorsed by Germany’s ADAC, is praised for its reliability and transparency. In contrast, the lab-based drum method—still under development—faces criticism for its lack of reproducibility and susceptibility to manipulation1.
The stakes are high. Inconsistencies between the two methods could allow substandard tires to pass regulatory thresholds, undermining environmental goals and disadvantaging responsible manufacturers. Michelin warns that premature adoption of the lab method could lead to increased imports of low-cost, less innovative tires, posing both economic and ecological risks.
Michelin’s commitment to sustainability is backed by data. A recent ADAC study found that Michelin tires emit 26% fewer particles than those of other premium brands. Between 2015 and 2020, the company reduced wear emissions by 5%, preventing the release of 100,000 metric tons of particles. The company’s latest innovation, the MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport tire, cuts emissions by 23% compared to its predecessor.
Beyond regulation, Michelin is pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding. At the Tire Technology Expo 2024, the company unveiled “SAMPLE,” a particle analysis system that captures and characterizes tire wear particles with unprecedented precision. This technology is part of a broader initiative to make tire particles bio-assimilable by nature.
Michelin has also partnered with CNRS and the University of Clermont Auvergne to launch BioDLab, a joint laboratory focused on the biodegradation of wear particles. The goal is to develop real-world solutions that reduce emissions and enhance environmental compatibility.
As Europe prepares to implement Euro 7, Michelin stands ready to comply by 2028 for new products and by 2030 for its entire automotive range. The company’s leadership in innovation and sustainability positions it as a key player in shaping the future of cleaner, more responsible mobility.