The Global Forum on Environment discussed the challenges posed by chemicals, provided knowledge on effective and sustainable policies for the sound management of chemicals. Together, leading actors in the field of chemicals management promoted effective engagement, collaboration and action on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The speakers included regulators and policy makers in charge of chemical safety in OECD member and partner countries as well as relevant stakeholders from International Governmental Organisations, private industry organisations and companies, civil society, philanthropies and more. Session 2.2 focused on the concept of safe-by-design which aims to prevent negative impacts on human health and the environment, by considering safety aspects early in the design process of chemicals, materials and products. It also enables the transition towards a circular economy, which requires inherently safer materials that maintain their quality through multiple material cycles, including repair, reuse and recycling.

1. Safe by design
The Tire Industry Initiative
OECD Global Forum
Novembre 3 , 2020
Francis Peters – BIAC - consultant for the tyre industry

2. Development of new nanomaterials in tyres
The context
Based on previous studies, main tyres producers are
convinced that development of new nanomaterials in tyres
will bring significant breakthroughs.
It is not only on tyres performances ( grip, wear, traction,
handling, …) but also for environmental challenges
(reducing energy consumption of vehicles, decreasing need
of raw materials, increasing the durability of the tyres…)
Crown
structure:
Nylon belt plies
Steel belt plies
Casing ply
Heel-shaped
anchorage to
the rim Inner
liner
Tread band and tread
pattern
Separating rubber
Sidewall
Casing ply
turn-up
Bead
wire
However, development of new nanomaterials in tyres bring challenges which are not
existing for others new materials like chemicals and polymers.
This is mainly linked to the risk of release of nanomaterials in the environment during
some steps of the life cycle and also to the lack of knowledge regarding EHS for many
new nanomaterials.

3. Development of new nanomaterials in tyres
The context
In July 2014 was published the OECD report “Nanotechnology and
tyres, Greening industry and transports”.
This OECD document highlighted the potential of new nanomaterials
whilst analyzing the challenges: Status of nanotechnology in tyres, Key
drivers of innovation, Socio-economic impacts of new nanomaterials in
tyres.
Main conclusions : New nanomaterials in tyres may help to reduce
environmental impact of vehicles ( Example: reducing vehicles energy
consumption ), but potential EHS risks have to be managed carefully at
each stage of a tyre’s lifecycle (from innovation to end of life including
recycling).

4. Development of new nanomaterials in tyres
The context
Since 15 years the 11 main tyres producers are working together to address a
series of sustainability challenges for the tyre industry.
This organization is the TIP ( Tire Industry Project) under the umbrella for
the WBCSD ( Word Business Council for Sustainable Development).
The TIP had taken the engagement (at CEOs level) to manage the
recommendation of the OECD by implementing the concept of Safe by
Design for each development of each new nanomaterial in tyres. This led to
the” Tire Industry Initiative” (*).
(*) Tire Industry Initiative is included as a case study in the OECD report “ Moving Towards
a Safe(r) Innovation Approach (SIA) for More Sustainable Nanomaterials and Nano-
enabled Products” to be published end 2020.

5. Development of new nanomaterials in tyres
Safe by Design (SbD)
The tyre Safe by Design Initiative is focused on the full life cycle of
nanomaterials in tyres
The first part contains :
- An engagement of the 11 CEOs to support the Tyre Industry Initiative.
- A general analysis addressing challenges and performance expectations with
development of new nanomaterials in tyres.
- An overview of the potential release of nanomaterials during the full life cycle of
tyres ( including production, use phase, recycling and end of life).
- An assessment of the protection of health and environment by SbD for the case of
tyres with new nanomaterials.

6. Development of new nanomaterials in tyres
Safe by Design (SbD)
In the second part :
They are 5 steps in each step is explained what have to be done :
1. Before starting the work on research
2. Before initiating the work on development
3. Prior to industrialization
4. Prior to mass production and commercialization
5. At commercialization
All concerns on risks and uncertainties, and their consequences linked to the development at each
step are taken in account and also the evolution of regulatory aspects. At each step it is defined
what have to be done before going to the next step and a decision stop or go is taken.
There is a decisional flow chart starting on the first step which is before launching research and
going up to commercialisation of new tyres ( if any).

7. Development of new nanomaterials in tyres
Safe by Design
Key points, lessons learned and some recommendations ;
- It is important to collaborate inside an industrial sector and to get a consensus supported by the top
management of each company involved.
- Rules to avoid concerns between companies regarding confidential know how have to be defined and agreed.
- For each new nanomaterial the starting point of the process is better at the earliest stage, before launching the
research.
- It is needed to improve in parallel knowledge on performances, EHS concerns , analytical methods and
potential regulatory evolutions.
- At each step it has to be defined what have to be done before going to the next step.
- Clear rules of decision to stop or to continue the development of a new nanomaterial at each stage of the
development have to be defined. For economical reason if a development has to be on “stop” this has to be done
at the earliest stage.
Key point for further improvement :
To involve regulators at the earliest stage of development of a new nanomaterials will give the possibility of a
collaboration between regulators and innovators/industry to prepare evolution of regulation each time a
regulation is needed. This will avoid a to get contribution of regulators at a too late stage.

8. Thank you