We’re on a Mission to Capture Tyre Wear for a Cleaner, Healthier Environment and Support Businesses in Their Transition to True Zero-Emission Mobility: Hanson Cheng, CEO of The Tyre Collective

Founded in 2020 by Hanson, Hugo, and Siobhan, The Tyre Collective is a clean-tech company driven by the mission to minimize environmental harm caused by tyre wear. Originally conceived as a master’s project at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, it has grown into a collaborative effort that bridges industries and disciplines. The company partners with leading manufacturers, policymakers, and researchers to design and scale cutting-edge solutions, demonstrating a unified commitment to addressing this critical environmental challenge.

SME Business Review reached out to Hanson Cheng, co-founder and CEO of The Tyre Collective, for an interview, and here’s what Mr. Cheng had to say.

Hanson, can you tell us what motivated you to start The Tyre Collective?

I have always been passionate about tackling environmental issues, and when I discovered the harmful impact of tyre wear particles, I knew I had to do something about it. Tyre wear, which releases microscopic particles into the air, water, and soil, is an often-overlooked source of pollution. I recognized that no one had addressed this issue effectively, so I co-founded The Tyre Collective to develop a solution that could help capture these particles before they’re released into the environment. We wanted to contribute to reducing pollution and make a lasting impact on the planet.

How does your technology work to capture tyre wear particles?

Our technology captures tyre wear particles directly from the vehicle’s tyres as they drive. The device is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle's infrastructure, allowing it to collect micro-particles from the tyres before they are emitted into the air. This system effectively addresses an issue that’s been overlooked for so long. The particles we capture include harmful substances like heavy metals and hydrocarbons, which contribute to air pollution and can negatively impact human health and the environment. By catching them at the source, we can significantly reduce the harmful effects.

What makes The Tyre Collective’s solution different from other environmental technologies?

What sets us apart is the focus on tyre wear particles, which is a unique and often ignored source of pollution. While the conversation around vehicle pollution often focuses on exhaust emissions, tyre wear is just as important. We realized that without addressing both exhaust emissions and tyre wear, we wouldn’t be solving the whole problem. Our technology is designed to target tyre wear specifically, and the fact that it’s scalable for use across different types of vehicles makes it highly versatile. Additionally, our focus is on real-world applicability—our device can easily integrate with existing vehicle designs without impacting performance.

How significant is the environmental impact of tyre wear particles?

Tyre wear particles may seem like a small issue, but in reality, they are responsible for a large portion of the pollution in urban areas. These particles are not only harmful to the environment but also pose health risks to humans, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Tyre wear particles contain heavy metals and other toxic substances that contribute to air pollution, which can have long-term detrimental effects on both the environment and public health. By capturing these particles, we can make a real difference in improving air quality and reducing pollution levels, especially in busy urban areas.

Could you explain how your technology might be used in urban spaces or public transport?

Urban areas are home to some of the highest concentrations of vehicle traffic, making them prime candidates for the deployment of our technology. In cities, where air quality is a growing concern, using our device to capture tyre wear particles from private vehicles, buses, and other public transport systems can drastically improve pollution levels. This technology could be implemented in public transport fleets to further reduce emissions. The scalability of our solution means that we can integrate it into a variety of contexts, from individual vehicles to large-scale public transportation systems.

How did you overcome the challenges of creating a device that works seamlessly with vehicles?

The development of our technology wasn’t easy. We had to ensure that our device was both effective in capturing tyre wear particles and unobtrusive in terms of vehicle performance. Our team of engineers and environmental experts worked diligently to design a system that would not interfere with the vehicle’s operation while still being capable of capturing the particles efficiently. It was a process of continuous testing and iteration to ensure the device would be both practical and efficient. We’re proud that we’ve created something that fits into existing vehicles without adding complexity or hindering performance.

What has been the response from the automotive industry to your technology?

The response from the automotive industry has been encouraging. Many players in the industry are becoming more aware of the need to address environmental concerns, and tyre wear is finally starting to gain attention. We’ve had productive conversations with automakers, and there’s a growing understanding of how this issue ties into the broader push for sustainability in the automotive sector. Our technology aligns with the industry's shift toward cleaner, more sustainable solutions, and many manufacturers see it as an opportunity to further enhance their environmental credentials.

How does The Tyre Collective plan to scale its impact globally?

We’re focused on scaling the technology as broadly as possible, especially in major cities around the world. As urbanization continues, so does the need for cleaner air and better pollution control. We aim to work with governments, cities, and industries to make this technology widely available. We also plan to partner with global vehicle manufacturers to incorporate our devices into new vehicle designs and help fleets reduce their environmental footprint. Our ultimate goal is to make this technology so widespread that it becomes a standard feature in vehicles worldwide.

Could you talk about the potential health benefits of reducing tyre wear pollution?

The health benefits are significant. Tyre wear particles are composed of a mix of toxic substances, including heavy metals and hydrocarbons, which have been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer. By capturing these particles before they enter the environment, we can reduce the amount of harmful pollution that people are exposed to. This has the potential to improve public health outcomes, particularly in areas with high levels of vehicle traffic. Cleaner air means fewer health problems related to pollution, and that's a huge benefit for urban populations.

What would you say to those who are skeptical about the importance of addressing tyre wear pollution?

I’d encourage them to look at the data and the science behind it. Tyre wear particles are a real and significant source of pollution that can’t be ignored any longer. We’re all familiar with the dangers of vehicle emissions, but tyre wear is just as damaging to the environment and human health. This is an issue that deserves attention, and our technology provides an effective solution. I believe that by working together, we can address this challenge and make a lasting difference in the fight against pollution.

What are your long-term goals for The Tyre Collective?

In the long term, we want to make tyre wear pollution a thing of the past. We’re not just focused on developing a single product; we want to change how vehicles and cities approach pollution. We aim to continue advancing our technology, working closely with industries and governments, and ensuring that it becomes a standard feature in vehicles everywhere. Our mission is to create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations, and we won’t stop until we’ve done that. The journey is just beginning, and the potential impact is enormous.

Hanson Cheng, Co-Founder, CEO, The Tyre Collective

“Tyre wear particles are composed of a mix of toxic substances, including heavy metals and hydrocarbons, which have been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer. By capturing these particles before they enter the environment, we can reduce the amount of harmful pollution that people are exposed to.”