Michelin calls for the implementation of a reliable methodology for testing tire emissions of harmful particles

The Michelin company stated that it fully supports the introduction of the "Euro-7" standard, which for the first time establishes requirements for emissions of harmful particles formed during tire wear, but emphasized that a reliable testing methodology is necessary to determine the most environmentally friendly and safe tires.

According to the new standard, all tires will be assessed based on the volume of emissions of harmful particles, and products that do not meet the established requirements will be banned from sale. According to Michelin, every year in Europe, almost 500,000 tons of micro-particles are formed during tire wear on road transport, and the company notes that "not all tires are the same in this regard, and given how manufacturers design their tires in terms of durability, materials used, and design, emissions can vary fourfold".

Michelin adds that the effectiveness of the new standard depends on the reliability of the measurement methodology, and currently, two approaches to testing are being discussed. According to the first approach, emissions are measured on roads in real-world conditions in grams per kilometer per ton of vehicle mass (g/km/t), and the company calls the results of such tests "reliable, reproducible, and representative". The methodology was developed by participants in the European automotive industry "in a fully transparent manner" in conjunction with authorized bodies and is already being used by the All-German Automobile Club ADAC as part of its tire tests, which are among the most authoritative in the industry.

The second approach involves laboratory testing of tires on a drum test stand, and this methodology is still being developed. Michelin says that this option is associated with "not fully defined and non-transparent parameters, which creates opportunities for manipulating the results", and information about emissions may not correspond to reality. In June 2025, ADAC recognized that this method is "not reliable enough for its immediate implementation".

The company emphasizes that the results obtained by the two methods can differ significantly, and this was noted in 28% of cases. For example, a tire that, according to the results of a road test, received an abrasion index of 1.42, would be banned from sale, and the same tire would be approved for release to the market after laboratory tests with a score of 0.83. Thus, the implementation of the second approach, in the opinion of the tire manufacturer, is associated with significant risks, since "it will stimulate the import of cheap and less innovative tires", and "will seriously undermine the effectiveness" of the "Euro-7" standard.

"Michelin advocates for the immediate introduction of real-world testing methodology and, at the same time, continues to study the laboratory approach, which can eventually serve as an additional option when it reaches technical maturity," the company notes.

In June 2025, ADAC published the results of tests of 160 tire models, and the results show that Michelin tires, on average, emit 26% fewer particles compared to premium-class products from four other manufacturers. In 2022, the club already conducted a similar study, and then Michelin's result was 28% better than the average.

Michelin has been actively studying ways to slow down tire wear since 2005, and the company says that in 2015-2020, it was able to reduce emissions of harmful particles by 5%, which is equivalent to 100,000 tons.

"Europe recognizes the need to support its industry without giving up on environmental ambitions, and the issue of the tire testing methodology according to the 'Euro-7' standard perfectly demonstrates the choice facing lawmakers: either support the development of innovation and establish strict requirements to protect the environment, or make compromises that undermine the effectiveness of regulations and harm responsible industry participants," said Michelin CEO Florent Menegaux.

In the segment of passenger and light commercial vehicles, the "Euro-7" standard is expected to come into force in 2027, and we previously reported on its possible impact on the tire industry.