Frequently Asked Questions by Category

While microplastics have been defined differently around the world, the microplastic label has brought urgent attention to a complex, multi-faceted societal challenge - a challenge that requires an evidence-based response and the engagement of a multitude of stakeholders.  

Our mission is to better understand the distribution of these particles in the environment and their potential impact on human health and the environment, as well as to support effective mitigation measures.   

TRWP differ from most microplastics in their chemical and physical properties, as they contain both mineral and elastomer-based materials. This results in TRWP having distinct size, density, and persistence characteristics as compared to most microplastics. 

For example, tire and road wear particles are found to be sedimenting and decomposing comparably faster than other particles of the same size range originating from plastics. [Source: Bänsch-Baltruschat, 2020].  

A 2010 publication by Kreider et al. provides a characterization of the tire and road wear particles as generated under controlled laboratory conditions. The study characterized the density and size of TRWP:   

• Density: The density of TRWP, aggregated by tyre tread rubber and embedded minerals and other constituents of road dust, is estimated to be around 1.8 g/cm3.  

• Size: TRWP has a size range from 1-350 microns (a micron is one-thousandth of a millimeter), the most common – the median value – being between approximately 80 and 100 microns. 

Formed in 2005, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) is a voluntary CEO-driven initiative with a mission to anticipate, understand, and address global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues relevant to the tire industry and its value chain.

TIP acts by commissioning independent research of the highest standards, collaborating on sectoral solutions, and engaging with external stakeholders.

TIP currently brings together 10 leading tire companies that represent more than 60% of the world’s tire manufacturing capacity.

TIP operates under the umbrella of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). WBCSD is a global community of over 220 of the world’s leading businesses, representing a combined revenue of more than USD $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. WBCSD transforms the systems we work in to limit the impact of the climate crisis, restore nature and tackle inequality.

End-of-life tires (ELT) are tires that have reached the end of their useful lives as tires.

Globally, more than one billion tires become ELTs every year.

ELTs and their materials are an inexpensive, yet valuable, resource for the circular economy that can be used in a variety of applications. Successful ELT management systems foster the circular-use of ELTs and help reduce the unregulated dumping of tires.

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ELT management refers to the collection, transport and treatment of tires that can no longer serve their original purpose on a vehicle. The objective of ELT management is to recover material or energy from the tires or to properly dispose of them to avoid negative impacts.

ELT management contributes to the circular economy because ELTs and their constituent materials offer valuable resources.

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TRWP are tiny debris produced by necessary friction between tires and road surface; they are an approximately half-and-half mixture of tire tread and road pavement material. With a density of ~1.8g/cm3, TRWP are expected to sink in water.

Since 2005 the Tire Industry Project (TIP) has supported research into the potential human health and environmental impacts of tires throughout their lifecycle.

The potential impact of TRWP on human health is a complex issue that is still being examined. We are mindful of an evolving scientific understanding of TRWP, including some research that has reached different conclusions, so we continue to support independent research to improve the knowledge base.