The European Union's recent proposal to classify synthetic amorphous silica (silica) as a hazardous substance has sparked strong concerns within the European tire industry. The European Tire Industry Association points out that silica is a core material for achieving the "performance triangle" of tires (low rolling resistance, wet grip, and high abrasion resistance), and is crucial for the EU's efforts to reduce climate emissions and promote green transportation.
Currently, the EU is pushing for a unified classification revision, proposing to classify silica as "target organ toxicity (repeated exposure category 1)." Once implemented, silica will be automatically included in the List of Substances of Concern under the Sustainable Product Ecodesign Regulation. While this is not a direct ban, it will trigger mandatory disclosure, forcing companies to proactively phase out the material in their designs. Without equivalent performance alternatives, the industry will face immense compliance pressure.
The European tire industry consumes one-third of the country's silica production. The association emphasizes that silica does not leach out after tire vulcanization, and its low dust content significantly reduces exposure risk. Tires incorporating silica can reduce vehicle carbon emissions by up to 8%, meeting stringent regulations such as Euro 7.
Industry calls for regulations to be scientifically assessed based on real-world exposure scenarios and the impact on the entire industry chain. One-sided, hasty revisions will disrupt the stability of the industry chain and ultimately hinder the achievement of Europe's green mobility goals.