Tyres
Tyres account for 20–30 per cent of a vehicle's fuel consumption and it is estimated that the most energy-efficient tyres reduce consumption by up to 10 per cent. The obligatory energy labelling of tyres for private cars, lorries and buses entered into force on 1 November 2012, and the labelling indicates the tyres' energy-efficiency, their grip in wet weather conditions and the amount of noise they produce.At EU-level, the energy labelling is expected to reduce the total fuel consumption of vehicles by 5 per cent, in the long term. Lower fuel consumption also means lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Criteria group
Tyres account for 20–30 per cent of a vehicle's fuel consumption and it is estimated that the most energy-efficient tyres reduce consumption by up to 10 per cent.
The obligatory energy labelling of tyres for private cars, lorries and buses entered into force on 1 November 2012, and the labelling indicates the tyres' energy-efficiency, their grip in wet weather conditions and the amount of noise they produce.
At EU-level, the energy labelling is expected to reduce the total fuel consumption of vehicles by 5 per cent, in the long term. Lower fuel consumption also means lower carbon dioxide emissions.
A tyre's properties can affect the environment in several ways, including:
- Rolling resistance
- Environmentally hazardous substances in the rubber compound
- The tyre's external road noise
- The tyre's lifespan
- Breaking up particles from the road surface
- Recycling of used tyres
The criteria are designed for tyres of class C1, C2 and C3 as defined in Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No. 661/2009. The criteria can, in addition to direct procurement of the "tyre" product, also be used in the procurement of services, e.g. tyres mounted on wheel rims. The document can also be used in the procurement of services and contracts where the majority of the environmental impact results from tyre usage.