In the face of mounting environmental concerns and tightening regulations, Michelin has once again proven itself a front-runner in sustainable tire technology. The latest study by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), Germany’s most respected automobile association, has validated Michelin’s long-standing efforts to curb tire-related emissions. Testing 160 tire models across major brands, the study found that Michelin tires emit 26% fewer particles than the average premium competitor—a result that reinforces a previous 2021 finding showing a 28% reduction.

The performance gap is even more striking when considering that Michelin’s nearest rival emitted 20% more particles per kilometre driven and per metric ton transported. These results speak to the strength of Michelin’s design philosophy, which balances durability, safety, and environmental responsibility—a combination rarely achieved in the tire industry.

This focus on tire emissions is especially timely with the introduction of the Euro 7 standard, passed in July 2024. This regulation marks the first time that global wear particle emissions from tires are being formally measured and restricted for all products sold in the European market. Non-compliant tires will be banned, making ADAC’s findings particularly relevant as the industry pivots to meet these stricter benchmarks.

In Europe alone, tire and road wear particles contribute approximately 500,000 metric tons of particulate emissions every year. With Euro 7, regulators aim to cut this figure dramatically, and Michelin is already ahead of the curve.

“Tire particle waste is an unavoidable part of driving, but at Michelin, we are committed to doing all we can to reduce the impact of our tires on the environment,” said Florentin Odenwald, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. “Our goal is to lead in sustainability through tireless innovation—without compromising safety or performance.”

Michelin’s leadership in this area didn’t happen overnight. The company has been studying and tackling tire abrasion—a phenomenon caused by friction between the tire and road—for over 20 years. Between 2015 and 2020, innovations in design and materials helped reduce particle emissions from Michelin tires by 5%, preventing an estimated 100,000 metric tons of tire particles from entering the environment.

Such progress is made possible by Michelin’s substantial investment in R&D, with EUR 786 million allocated in 2024 alone. The company continues to focus on improving material science and tire design to minimise raw material usage and wear rates.

Some standout examples of this innovation include:

  • MICHELIN Primacy 5, which emits 14% fewer particles than its predecessor, the Primacy 4+.

  • MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport, a summer tire with winter certification (3PMSF), emits 23% fewer particles than the Pilot Sport 5 in the same category.

In addition to product development, Michelin is investing in the science behind tire wear. In late 2023, the company launched BioDLab, a joint laboratory with France’s CNRS and the University of Clermont Auvergne. This cutting-edge facility is focused on studying how tire particles break down in the environment and aims to develop bio-assimilable solutions that minimise their ecological footprint.

This research reflects Michelin’s holistic approach: understanding wear, mitigating it through product design, and developing environmentally friendly solutions to deal with inevitable emissions.

Michelin’s forward-thinking strategy positions it as a key player in driving the global tire industry toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable mobility. As regulations like Euro 7 come into force, Michelin’s decades-long commitment to innovation ensures it is not just ready for the future—but already shaping it.

To learn more, visit: www.michelin.com.my
 Access the full ADAC report: View Report (PDF)