Particulate emissions, a hidden environmental threat, are gaining attention as a UK startup tackles a significant source of microplastic pollution.
In London, a UK-based startup is deploying innovative electrostatic devices designed to capture tyre dust from electric delivery vans. This initiative seeks to address a major but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution, which ranks as the second-largest contributor globally.
When vehicles operate, the friction between tyres and the road surface causes small rubber particles to detach. These particles are then dispersed into the air, water, and even enter the human body. Tyres contain various toxic chemicals linked to severe health issues such as cancer and respiratory diseases, and have even contributed to mass die-offs in river salmon populations.
“We’re all familiar with the issue of exhaust emissions from vehicles, but the scale of tyre pollution has largely gone unnoticed,” says Hanson Cheng, co-founder and CEO of The Tyre Collective, in an interview. Cheng, along with Siobhan Anderson and Hugo Richardson, established The Tyre Collective in 2020, emerging from a research project at Imperial College London.
Innovative Technology for Tyre Dust Capture
The Tyre Collective has developed a pioneering device designed to capture tyre dust directly at its source. Resembling a small toaster, this device is mounted on the undercarriage of vehicles, positioned just behind the wheels. As the vehicle moves, tyre dust flows through the device and is collected by a series of metal plates.
“Our research revealed that tyre particles become electrostatically charged through friction with the road surface,” Cheng explains. “We applied a negative charge to the metal plates to attract these particles, which proved to be effective.”
The technology, which is currently patent-pending, can capture up to 60% of tyre particles from a vehicle. These collected particles can be repurposed into various products, such as shoe outsoles, rubber mats, inks, and dyes. The device requires cleaning at least once a week, although the company is working on more efficient storage solutions.
Regulatory Support and Future Trials
In March, the European Union introduced the world’s first legal framework to address tyre pollution, signaling a significant regulatory push for both tyre and car manufacturers. This development has been a catalyst for The Tyre Collective, which is now preparing to trial its technology on a fleet of electric delivery vans operated by London-based startup HIVED. The two-month trial, supported by $2 million in government grants, will allow the company to refine its technology before it hits the market.
HIVED views this technology as an essential step in enhancing the environmental credentials of their fleet. “For us, all-electric deliveries are just the beginning,” says HIVED co-founder Murvah Iqbal. “Our goal is zero-emission mobility.”
Looking Ahead
While The Tyre Collective’s device represents a significant advancement, it is not a complete solution to the broader environmental challenges. Reducing vehicle usage, increasing walking, and investing in cleaner transport options are also crucial steps.
Cheng is optimistic about the potential impact of the device. “It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a meaningful start,” he asserts, envisioning a future where such devices become as standard as catalytic converters in reducing vehicle emissions.
The Tyre Collective’s initiative marks a promising development in tackling a hidden environmental issue and underscores the importance of innovative approaches to sustainable transport.
