the big why
we are here
With 1.5 billion active vehicles on the planet, millions of tons of tyre wear, contributing to microplastic waste, are left on the streets each year.
Rainwater then flushes this waste into sewer systems, which eventually ends up in oceans, lakes, streams, and rivers, posing a serious threat to aquatic life.
WHY RAINWATER
IS IMPORTANT
Rainwater is one of our most valuable resources. It replenishes groundwater, which is the primary source of drinking water for much of the world. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, supporting both plant and animal life. In Denmark alone, we receive an average of 900 mm of rain annually, and this amount has increased by 24% since 2011. With climate change causing more intense rainfall, it is more important than ever to protect rainwater from contamination.
AN OVERLOOKED THREAT
MICROPLASTICS FROM TIRES
When people think of pollution in our water systems, they usually imagine plastic bags, bottles, and other visible waste. However, one of the largest and most overlooked sources of microplastics is tire wear. Every time a car drives, the tires wear down, releasing tiny particles onto the road surface. These microplastic particles are quickly carried away by rainwater, entering our sewer systems. Unfortunately, they often end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans without being filtered, creating a serious problem for our water environment.
450K
Over 450,000 tons of tire wear particles are released annually in the EU – most of it ends up in our water systems.
7K
In Denmark alone, tire wear releases more than 7,000 tons of microplastics every year.
100G
Every car leaves approximately 100 grams of microplastics on the road per 1,000 kilometers, while trucks emit 5 to 8 times more.
What’s Inside
a Car Tire
Many people don’t realize what a car tire is made of. It’s not just rubber – it’s a complex mixture of chemicals, including:
- 6PPD (antioxidant):
Used to protect the tire from degradation, but it breaks down into 6PPD-quinone, a toxic substance for aquatic life. - PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons):
Known carcinogens that can leach into the environment. - Zinc Oxide:
Used as a filler, but harmful to both aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.
The tire industry is actively working on creating tires that leave fewer microplastic particles on the roads, while still providing the safety and performance we all desire. However, protecting our water environment requires immediate action.
AN INVISIBLE CONSEQUENCE
FOR WILDLIFE and HUMANS
Microplastics are not just tiny, harmless particles – they have serious consequences for both wildlife and humans. Fish and other aquatic organisms can mistakenly ingest microplastics, leading to digestive issues, stunted growth, and even death. As microplastics accumulate in the food chain, they eventually end up on our plates, posing health risks to humans.
Clean drinking water is our planet's most vital resource. Without clean water, we cannot survive. It is our responsibility to protect this resource from pollution – especially from invisible, yet harmful, microplastic particles.
join the movement for cleaner water
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BAIONYX ApS
Fruebjergvej 3
2100 København Ø
Tlf. +4570603663
Fruebjergvej 3
2100 København Ø
Tlf. +4570603663