Tenneco, a brake friction materials provider for light and commercial vehicles, has unveiled new low emission brake technology designed to help manufacturers comply with upcoming Euro 7 and China 7 emissions regulations.
Developed through Tenneco’s global friction research laboratories and testing facilities, the new technology is expected to address China’s anticipated particulate matter emissions (PM10/PM2.5) from vehicle brakes.
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It is engineered to meet the Euro 7 standard, which imposes limits on brake particulate emissions from 2026.
For light vehicles, PM10 emissions are capped at 3mg/km for plug-in electric vehicle (PEVs) and 7mg/km for hybrids and internal combustion engine light vehicles.
Heavy vans categorised under N1 Class III face limits of 5mg/km for PEVs and 11mg/km for other powertrains.
China’s forthcoming China 7 standard is anticipated to set similar requirements, with a particular focus on (PM10/PM2.5).
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By GlobalDataTenneco OE Braking global engineering vice-president Holger Schlauss said: “Preparation for Euro 7 and China 7 has required a paradigm shift in virtually every area of brake pad and disc development and manufacture as well as significant investments in next-generation research, development and testing resources.
“Our global team has been able to leverage our unique expertise in materials science, chemical and physical analysis, and advanced analytics to meet these new requirements on behalf of vehicle OEMs and Tier One suppliers.”
Tenneco’s solution incorporates renewable and recycled materials in brake pad manufacturing, helping to reduce associated CO2 emissions.
The technology has been selected for integration into upcoming passenger vehicle models from two major European automakers.
Furthermore, the low emission brake system uses natural materials and recycled inputs that maintain strong mechanical properties while reducing particulate output, Tenneco said.
Tenneco engineers are also collaborating with OEMs and tier 1 suppliers to develop effective, cost-efficient brake pads for both coated and standard grey cast iron discs.
Holger added: “One of the chief benefits of these new technologies, beyond the reduction of particulate matter emissions, will be exceptional brake system performance and durability.
“In fact, for some consumers the low emission brake pad could last almost the life of their vehicles.”
Since 2017, Tenneco has participated in the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre’s Particulate Measurement programme, contributing to the development of standardised methods for measuring brake emissions and taking part in interlaboratory testing.
Tenneco OE Braking business development and supply chain senior director Marco Frecchio said: “As China’s OEMs finalize plans for their 2026 and later models, we are well prepared to meet the corresponding demand for low emission brake pads that are precisely matched to each model.”
