UK startup ‘The Tyre Collective’ has developed a tyre-dust magnet to attach to electric vehicles (EVs) to tackle the often-overlooked problem of tyre-dust microplastic pollution. 

The Problem – The Dangers Of Tyre-Wear 

As explained by The Tyre Collective, “Tyre-wear is the second-largest source of microplastics in our oceans, toxic to marine life, and air particulate pollution”. The ‘tyre-wear’ it refers to are the particles of tyre dust, caused by friction on the road, that break off and are released every time a vehicle accelerates, brakes or corners. These tiny microplastic particles are both dangerous to health if breathed in, plus they pollute the environment. 

Another interesting aspect of the problem is that EVs produce more trye-wear than regular vehicles because of their higher weight from heavy battery packs and instant torque, which increases stress on the tyres. 

The Tyre Magnet 

The tyre-dust magnet, the first such device designed to capture tyre pollution, is a toaster-size device with a series of metal plates, that attaches to the undercarriage of a vehicle, behind the wheels. As the car drives, tyre dust from road friction is released as charged particles. The device uses electrostatics and airflow to attract and capture these particles, thereby removing the tyre-wear pollution at source. 

How Effective Is It? 

As the Tyre Collective points out, the issue of tyre-wear particle pollution has been an overlooked area until now but “transport will never reach zero emissions, without capturing tyre-wear”.   

In terms of how effective the tyre magnet device is, The Tyre Collective says its technology can attract up to 60 per cent of a car’s tyre particles. 

Upcycling 

One other advantage of the tyre magnet device is that the collected tyre-wear particles can be upcycled into a variety of applications creating a closed-loop system. Examples of where the upcycled trye particles can be used (industrial and consumer applications) include making bitumen, 3D-printing, shoe soles, and making high-performance activewear. 

Which Vehicles? 

The Tyre Collective says it’s initially targeting logistic fleets, i.e. delivery and maintenance vans then moving onto buses and HGVs. Long term, the company aims to scale its devices across all vehicle segments and integrate them into new EVs globally.  

Trials 

The tyre magnet was trialed last year on American EV manufacturer Rivian’s fully electric commercial vans. Other trials of the device have been with companies like CEVT & Volvo Cars, PostNL and BMW Financial Services. 

There’s also another trial in the pipeline with a fleet of electric delivery vans owned by London-based startup HIVED. 

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

For businesses in the logistics and delivery sector, including those operating maintenance vans, the introduction of The Tyre Collective’s tyre-dust magnet offers an opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint. By integrating these devices into their fleets, companies could significantly cut down on tyre-wear pollution, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Additionally, this proactive approach may enhance the corporate image and attract environmentally conscious clients, while potentially lowering maintenance costs in the long run through reduced tyre-wear. 

For buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), the benefits may be similarly substantial. These vehicles, often covering extensive miles and operating in urban areas, contribute significantly to microplastic pollution. By adopting the tyre-dust magnet technology, operators could play a crucial role in mitigating urban pollution, improving public health, and setting a precedent for sustainable transport. This could also align with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, potentially avoiding future compliance costs and penalties. 

EV manufacturers stand to gain immensely from this kind of innovation. Integrating tyre-dust magnets into new EV models could, for example, enhance their appeal by addressing a significant environmental concern. As consumers become more eco-conscious, showcasing a commitment to reducing all forms of pollution, including tyre-wear, could provide a competitive edge. This integration also aligns with the broader industry goal of achieving zero emissions, reinforcing the sustainable image of EVs. 

For The Tyre Collective, the successful deployment of their tyre-dust magnet represents a milestone in their mission to combat microplastic pollution. As their technology gains traction, they appear likely to establish themselves as leaders in environmental innovation in an overlooked area, opening doors for further research and development. The ability to upcycle collected tyre particles into new products will also create additional revenue streams and support a circular economy. 

Residents in high-traffic areas could experience a direct positive impact from the widespread adoption of this technology. Reduced tyre-wear particles will mean cleaner air and a lower risk of respiratory issues associated with microplastic pollution. This improvement in air quality could lead to enhanced public health outcomes and a better quality of life for these communities. 

From an environmental perspective, widespread implementation of tyre-dust magnets could lead to a significant reduction in microplastic pollution, benefiting marine and terrestrial ecosystems alike. This reduction is crucial for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the health of various species affected by microplastic ingestion. 

Society as a whole also stands to benefit from cleaner air and a healthier environment. The reduced environmental impact of tyre-wear aligns with global sustainability goals and helps combat climate change. The positive ripple effects of this technology could, therefore, lead to greater public awareness and support for environmental initiatives, fostering a culture of sustainability. 

The Tyre Collective’s innovative tyre dust magnet, therefore, could be a game-changer for multiple sectors and by effectively addressing this often-overlooked issue, it could provide a pathway to cleaner transport, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future.