Using Green Tires to Combat Microplastics?

Every year, millions of tons of abrasion particles are released worldwide, which accumulate in the air, soil and water and release toxic substances. Elisabeth Simböck, lecturer and researcher in the Chemical Engineering and Ecotoxicology competence field at UAS Technikum Wien, has published an article in the magazine “Thema Zukunft” on the topic of microplastics caused by tire abrasion. She emphasizes that avoiding tire abrasion is currently the only effective solution to the environmental impact of this problem.

“Green” bicycle tires on the test bench

Avoidance clearly means not driving or cycling. Where this is not possible, alternative products are needed. In fact, there are already products on the market. As part of the City of Vienna competence team “Microplastics and nanoparticles as environmental risks”, Simböck examined the environmental compatibility of “green” bicycle tires from a leading market supplier. The comparison with a conventional product showed that both contain toxic substances.

“The only real ‘green’ solution to this environmental problem at present is to avoid tire abrasion,” writes Simböck and gives tips on how this can be achieved: use public transport, buy locally and pay attention to the weight when selecting motor vehicles, because the heavier the vehicle, the greater the abrasion.

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