Synthetic Amorphous Silica Remains Essential to Modern Tyre Manufacturing, Says Tyres Europe

Industry Calls for Science-Based Regulation

Tyres Europe has reaffirmed the importance of Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) in modern tyre manufacturing, describing the material as a key contributor to vehicle safety, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility.

The industry association warns that any future regulatory decisions affecting SAS should be based on robust scientific evidence, taking into account both occupational exposure and the material's essential role in tyre performance.

A Critical Ingredient in High-Performance Tyres

Synthetic amorphous silica has been used in tyre tread compounds for more than two decades and is now considered one of the industry's most important reinforcing fillers alongside carbon black.

When combined with silane coupling technology, silica improves the interaction between rubber compounds, helping manufacturers produce tyres that deliver lower rolling resistance without compromising wet grip or durability.

Benefits for Drivers and Electric Vehicles

According to industry experts, the use of silica provides several performance advantages:

• Reduced rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency.

• Increased driving range for electric vehicles.

• Enhanced wet braking and road grip.

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions during vehicle operation.

• Improved overall tyre performance and durability.

These characteristics have made silica a standard component in premium passenger car tyres and an increasingly important material for electric vehicle tyre development.

Supporting Europe's Sustainability Goals

As the European automotive sector accelerates its transition toward low-emission mobility, tyre manufacturers are investing heavily in materials that can improve energy efficiency throughout a tyre's service life.

Industry organizations argue that synthetic amorphous silica directly supports the objectives of the European Green Deal by helping reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions while maintaining high safety standards.

Why the Material Matters

Approximately one-third of global precipitated synthetic amorphous silica production is used by the tyre industry, underlining its strategic importance to tyre manufacturing worldwide.

Experts note that replacing the material would require extensive research and validation to ensure that future alternatives can deliver the same balance of safety, durability and environmental performance expected by consumers and regulators.

Industry Perspective

As European regulators continue evaluating chemical safety legislation, tyre manufacturers are calling for a balanced approach that protects workers while preserving access to technologies that improve road safety and sustainability.

For the tyre sector, synthetic amorphous silica is more than a raw material—it is a core technology that has enabled decades of innovation in fuel-efficient and high-performance tyres. Future regulatory decisions could therefore influence product development, manufacturing costs and the competitiveness of Europe's tyre industry.

Official Sources: Tyres Europe, Association of Synthetic Amorphous Silica Producers (ASASP), OECD, European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA).