A comprehensive scientific review released under the umbrella of the Tire Industry Project (TIP) has concluded that despite significant advances in understanding tyre wear emissions, current data remains insufficient to quantify their direct impact on human health. The final paper in a three-part ‘State of Knowledge’ (SoK) series, supported by TIP as part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, analysed over 850 peer-reviewed studies to assess global research on tyre and road wear particles. The authors found that inconsistencies in sampling approaches, detection techniques and analytical methodologies across studies prevent reliable comparison and robust risk assessment. As a result, while interest in the topic has grown, the evidence linking tyre emissions to specific health outcomes remains inconclusive.

According to the review, tyre wear particles constitute only a small fraction of total airborne particulate matter, typically less than five percent of PM2.5 and PM10 in urban environments. Toxicological data from both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that tyre and road wear particles are no more harmful than general ambient particulate matter, with effects that are similar to or less potent than those of other airborne particle types. Although chemicals used in tyre manufacturing have been detected in human body fluids, the authors stress that these substances are also widely used in other applications, making it impossible to clearly attribute exposure to tyres as the primary source.

The paper, independently authored by Kathrin Müller, Julie Panko, Kenny M Unice and Dr Stephan Wagner, identifies the lack of harmonised global methods for sampling, analysing and characterising tyre wear emissions as a major barrier to drawing firm conclusions. This call for greater methodological consistency aligns with the findings of the first two SoK papers published in 2025, which examined the characterisation, quantification and environmental impacts of tyre wear emissions. Without standardised approaches, meaningful comparison across studies and reliable exposure or risk assessment remain unattainable.

Looking forward, the authors recommend that future research prioritise the identification of potential exposure pathways and examine relevant health outcomes, including chronic effects, under realistic conditions. Such studies should cover urban and suburban populations across different global regions to ensure comprehensive and applicable findings. The SoK series, representing the most extensive review of global science on tyre wear emissions to date, underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to improve the identification, measurement, and attribution of these particles in both environmental and human health contexts.

Dr Wagner, one of the leading researchers of Paper 3, said, “Tyre wear emissions are a complex topic that we still only partly understand, especially in relation to human health. While research has advanced our understanding of TRWP, the current data simply isn’t robust enough to quantify any potential health risks specifically linked to tyre wear. Looking forward, cross-stakeholder collaboration is fundamental to making rapid progress. By aligning methods, sharing data and focusing on real-world studies, we can build a stronger, more consistent evidence base to inform future decisions.”

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Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

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Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

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Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

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Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

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