Our Technology
Envirobrake develops Class 1 environmentally friendly brake pad formulations. Our focus is on creating compounds that reduce harmful materials while maintaining safety and performance.
Exploring sustainable materials for Class 1 brake pad formulations: cashew shells, hemp seeds, coconut shell, pine needles, and rice.
North America's Coming PM10 Revolution: Why Euro 7 Standards Are Headed West
March 2024 - While Europe prepares for Euro 7's strict PM10 regulations, North America is quietly following suit. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has already implemented copper-free brake pad requirements, but the real game-changer is coming: comprehensive PM10 standards that will mirror Europe's approach.
Transport Canada and the EPA are currently evaluating similar regulations that would require brake pad manufacturers to reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 90%. This isn't just about copper anymore – it's about every particle that escapes when you hit the brakes. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are already seeing PM10 levels that exceed WHO guidelines, with brake wear contributing up to 20% of total road traffic particulate emissions.
The timeline? Industry insiders suggest we'll see North American PM10 brake regulations by 2026-2027, giving manufacturers just 2-3 years to adapt their formulations. Companies that start developing compliant products now will have a significant advantage when these regulations hit.
The Hidden Environmental Cost: How Traditional Brake Pads Are Poisoning Our Cities
February 2024 - Every time you brake, you're releasing a cocktail of heavy metals and toxic particles into the environment. The numbers are staggering: a single vehicle can release up to 2.5 grams of brake dust per 1,000 kilometers of driving. In a city like Toronto, that translates to approximately 1,200 kilograms of brake dust released daily – equivalent to the weight of a small car.
But it's not just the quantity that's concerning. Traditional brake pads contain up to 5% copper by weight, along with other heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and antimony. When these particles settle on roadways, they get washed into storm drains and eventually into our waterways. Studies show that brake wear is now the second-largest source of copper contamination in urban watersheds, second only to industrial discharges.
The health implications are equally alarming. PM10 particles from brake wear are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, carrying with them these toxic metals. Research from the University of California found that brake dust particles can remain suspended in air for up to 48 hours, meaning they don't just affect drivers – they impact entire communities.
Class 1 Formulations: The Science Behind Copper-Free Brake Technology
January 2024 - Class 1 brake pad formulations represent the pinnacle of environmental brake technology, but what makes them different from traditional pads? The answer lies in a carefully balanced chemistry that replaces copper with advanced ceramic and organic compounds.
Traditional brake pads rely on copper for its excellent heat conductivity and friction stability. However, Class 1 formulations use ceramic composites that provide similar thermal properties without the environmental cost. These ceramics are typically made from aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and other naturally occurring minerals that are both effective and environmentally benign.
The real innovation comes in the binder systems. Instead of phenolic resins that can release formaldehyde during manufacturing, Class 1 formulations use water-based binders and bio-derived materials. Some formulations even incorporate agricultural waste products like rice husk ash or coconut shell powder, creating a truly circular approach to brake pad manufacturing.
Urban Air Quality Crisis: Why Brake Dust Matters More Than You Think
December 2023 - In dense urban areas, brake wear contributes more to PM10 pollution than you might expect. A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that in stop-and-go traffic conditions, brake wear can account for up to 55% of total vehicle particulate emissions – more than the exhaust system itself.
This is particularly problematic in cities with heavy traffic and frequent braking, like downtown cores and highway interchanges. The particles don't just disappear – they accumulate on road surfaces, get resuspended by passing vehicles, and can travel up to 100 meters from their source. In apartment buildings near major roads, residents are exposed to brake dust particles that have been tracked indoors on shoes and clothing.
The economic cost is equally significant. The European Environment Agency estimates that air pollution from all sources costs the EU economy €330-940 billion annually in health costs and lost productivity. Brake wear, while a smaller contributor, represents a preventable source of this pollution that could be eliminated with proper regulation and technology adoption.
The Formulation Challenge: Balancing Performance with Environmental Responsibility
November 2023 - Creating environmentally friendly brake pads isn't just about removing harmful materials – it's about maintaining the performance characteristics that drivers expect. This requires a deep understanding of friction science and material properties.
The key challenge is maintaining consistent friction coefficients across different temperature ranges. Traditional copper-based formulations excel at this because copper's thermal properties help maintain stable friction as temperatures rise. Class 1 formulations must achieve the same performance using alternative materials, often requiring complex multi-component systems.
Advanced testing protocols are essential. Our formulations undergo thousands of hours of dynamometer testing, simulating everything from gentle city driving to aggressive mountain descents. We also conduct real-world testing in extreme conditions, from -40°C Canadian winters to 50°C desert summers, ensuring our formulations perform reliably regardless of climate.