Until now, fine particulate matter generated by tire and brake wear has not been addressed in European emissions legislation. Only with the introduction of the Euro 7 standard—taking effect at the end of 2026 for newly developed (type-approved) vehicles and at the end of 2027 for all newly registered passenger cars and light commercial vehicles—will binding limit values be introduced. The goal is to restrict the emission of fine particulate matter with diameters less than 10 micrometers, particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. A project consortium involving Fraunhofer IWU now presents a stainless-steel brake disk that easily meets the strict EU requirements.

