News - 2026

Tokyo (March 6, 2026) - Bridgestone Corporation has developed the industry's first Tire and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) vehicle collection method specifically for truck and bus tires, aiming to deepen the understanding of their potential environmental impact. TRWP are the result of friction between the tire and the road surface, which is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. They consist of a mixture of tread (tire surface) and road pavement materials. Bridgestone is actively conducting various TRWP research activities on the particle size distribution, transport and fate, and potential environmental impact. In 2025, the company announced the TRWP vehicle collection method for passenger car tires and has continued to enhance collection efficiency and research. With the development of the industry's first TRWP vehicle collection method for truck and bus tires, Bridgestone now accelerates these activities as well as promote initiatives to reduce and minimize TRWP generation.

Device that collects TRWP equipped on a truck

TRWP Vehicle Collection Method for Trucks and Buses
In developing the TRWP vehicle collection method for trucks and buses, Bridgestone leveraged knowledge gained from the TRWP vehicle collection method for passenger cars, such as the generation process and distribution of TRWP, to create a proprietary, highly efficient collection system.

1. Collection Method Conditions Designed to Eliminate Other Particles
Bridgestone's proving ground*2 is designed to simulate various driving conditions and was used for vehicle testing. To prevent contamination of TRWP generated from trucks and buses with other particles already present on the road, the proving ground^*2 was thoroughly cleaned prior to testing.

2. Development of Collection Devices for Trucks and Buses
Bridgestone developed suction devices and inlets compatible with large tires. For the cover, a robust aluminum frame was adopted to be durable against strong wind. Using this collection device, Bridgestone can efficiently collect TRWP generated during driving.

3. Post-Drive TRWP Collection
TRWP remaining on the course and inside the tire cover were collected, after driving.

Bridgestone, as a leader in the industry, has been investigating the physical and chemical characteristics of TRWP and their potential environmental impact through the Tire Industry Project (TIP) facilitated by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). In addition to in-house research and development, Bridgestone is also actively engaging in co-creation with external research institutions and partner companies. By utilizing the efficiently collected TRWP from both the passenger car method announced in 2025 and the newly developed truck and bus method, Bridgestone is accelerating research to understand the potential environmental impact of TRWP, widely share research results, and contribute to the reduction of TRWP generation.

In parallel with Bridgestone efforts to understand TRWP, the company is also promoting initiatives to reduce and minimize TRWP generation, such as the development of long-life products with improved wear resistance, collaboration with our solutions business to help reduce customers' total cost of ownership, and efforts to minimize potential environmental impact. Through these efforts, Bridgestone strives to achieve "Ecology: Committed to advancing sustainable tire technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations" described in the corporate commitment, the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment."^*3

The proprietary TRWP vehicle collection method for trucks and buses developed in this project was also presented at the Tire Technology Expo 2026, held in Hannover, Germany from March 3 to 5.^*4

1. Bridgestone Develops Cutting-edge Tire and Road Wear Particles Collection Method to Understand Environmental Impact Company Accelerates Research with Efficient Tire and Road Wear Particles Collection
2. Bridgestone Proving Grounds and Test Courses
3. The Bridgestone Group established its corporate commitment, the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment," to help it realize its vision: "Toward 2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social value and customer value as a sustainable solutions company." This commitment will serve as the Group's axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations. The "Bridgestone E8 Commitment" consists of eight uniquely Bridgestone values starting with the letter "E" (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that the Group will commit to creating through distinctly Bridgestone purposes and processes, together with employees, society, partners, and customers to help realize a sustainable society.
4. Tire Technology Expo