Tyre Wear Particles

Microplastic pollution from tyre wear particles is the most pervasive yet invisible contributor, with an estimated 6 million tonnes of synthetic rubber shed annually by vehicles worldwide. This source alone generates four times more microplastic waste than all personal care products combined, and remains largely unregulated. The particles absorb toxic chemicals from road surfaces, creating a concentrated cocktail that harms marine life. Unlike plastic sachets, which are visible cleanup targets, tyre dust is airborne and waterborne, nearly impossible to capture. It outperforms #6 plastic sachets in total microplastic volume, yet receives far less regulatory attention.