En rimsa, we embrace the challenges of Euro 7 regulation in the brake and friction materials industry as innovative solutions. In the following, we will delve into the implications of Euro 7 regulation and how our solutions are contributing to addressing these challenges.
- Euro standards and their evolution
Within the framework of emissions regulations in Europe, the Euro standards are a set of guidelines that restrict the levels of various pollutants vehicles can emit. These standards aim to improve air quality by reducing emissions from vehicles.
The new proposed regulation, Euro 7, will be the world’s first emissions standard that goes beyond regulating vehicle exhaust emissions alone. Instead, it sets additional limits on particles released by braking systems and introduces standards for emissions of microplastics from tires.
- Impact on the friction industry
This change will have a significant impact on the friction materials industry, especially for brake pad manufacturers. The primary challenge will be to strike the right balance between maintaining efficient braking performance to stop the vehicle and complying with the stringent Euro 7 emissions standards.
Brake pad manufacturers are likely to need to reformulate their existing products or develop new formulations to achieve this balance, which will require significant research and development efforts.
The limits set by Euro 7 for particles released by brakes state that by 2035, vehicles must comply with an emissions limit of 7 milligrams per kilometer (mg/km) traveled. Starting from 2035, even stricter limits of 3 mg/km are expected. This means that the amount of particles released by brakes during driving must be significantly reduced.
- Challenges and solutions for the Industry
This challenge is exacerbated by the need to subject brake pad formulations to more stringent testing to ensure compliance with the Euro 7 standard. This could involve additional wear and emissions testing, leading to a new way of evaluating brake pads and investment in new equipment by friction material manufacturers.
While the Euro 7 standards represent a significant shift in emissions regulations for the automotive industry, especially for friction component manufacturers like brake pads, at rimsa, we are committed to addressing these challenges and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable world.
That’s why our product Ri-Lube, which is part of our family of endothermic additives, is specifically designed to maintain braking efficiency across a wide range of temperatures while reducing brake pad wear and emissions.
Euro 7 brake pad requirements: what changes
Under Euro 7, brake pads are regulated for the particles they emit, not only for their stopping performance. Pads must now meet brake particulate limits while maintaining safety, comfort and durability, which raises the bar for material design and validation.
How brake pad materials must adapt to Euro 7
Meeting these requirements pushes formulators toward low-wear, low-emission friction materials and better-matched disc pairings. Balancing reduced particle emissions with consistent braking performance is the central engineering challenge.
Euro 7, brake dust and low-emission brake pads
Because brake dust is a major source of non-exhaust emissions, Euro 7 effectively drives demand for low-emission brake pads that generate less dust over their life. This benefits air quality while helping manufacturers stay compliant.
