Шины с поддержкой RFID

Did you know that tires can have their own "identity cards"? Recently, the global tire manufacturer Michelin and the smart tag company Beontag announced an expanded collaboration to launch a "smart tire" with an integrated RFID chip. This tire not only records its "life story" but also actively complies with environmental standards, becoming a true "smart manager" for the tire industry.

Small tag, big power

This tag, called RFID (radio-frequency identification), is only about 1x1x6 millimeters in size, roughly the size of a grain of rice. It is skillfully embedded inside the tire, without affecting its durability or safety. Despite its small size, it is extremely durable — capable of withstanding the high vulcanization temperatures during tire production, as well as high pressure, wear, and extreme temperature fluctuations during driving. Its lifespan covers the entire life cycle of the tire and even supports tracking up to one million kilometers.

Moreover, each tag stores unique encrypted identification information, preventing counterfeiting and protecting user privacy; it cannot be read without authorization.

A unified "signature" throughout the life cycle

With this smart identity card, every stage of a tire's life, from "birth" to "retirement," is clearly recorded:

Production: The rubber formula, production batch, vulcanization parameters, etc., are recorded, ensuring traceability.

Storage and logistics: Automated inventory checks using reading and writing equipment significantly improve efficiency and reduce errors and omissions.

Usage period: Car owners or fleet managers can access tire characteristics, usage time, and wear condition at any time to scientifically plan maintenance.

Recycling stage: Helps quickly identify materials and history, optimizes sorting, and promotes tire "recycling."

Why launch now? Key factor: new EU regulations

An important backdrop for this collaboration is the upcoming mandatory Digital Product Passport (DPP) system in the EU. According to the EU Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products, from late 2028 to 2030, the tire industry will gradually be required to equip every tire with a DPP; otherwise, it will not be able to enter the EU market.

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) acts as a "green digital archive" of the product, requiring information to be recorded throughout its life cycle — from raw materials, production, transportation, and use to recycling, including carbon footprint and recyclable components. RFID technology is the ideal carrier to achieve this goal. Michelin's collaboration with Beontag demonstrates proactive planning both to meet regulatory requirements and to lead in the digitalization and greening of the industry.

The industry trend is already here, the future is getting smarter

Currently, the RFID market for tires is growing rapidly, and digital traceability is becoming an evident trend. Michelin has extensive experience in tire research and development as well as in the global market, while Beontag specializes in smart tag technologies. These two companies complement each other's strengths, overcoming the challenge of integrating tags into tire manufacturing processes.

The companies began relevant research and development in 2019, and the technology has already reached maturity. They plan to launch tens of millions of smart tires on the market over the next two years, covering both passenger and commercial vehicles. Feedback from some pilot regions has been positive.

In the future, these smart tires will not only simplify management and contribute to environmental protection but may also become part of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), enabling more intelligent applications — such as direct "communication" with vehicle systems to remind users of maintenance and even predict safety risks.

Tires, which once seemed like "silent" components, are becoming capable of "speaking," "remembering," and "tracking." This is not only a technological breakthrough but also an important step for the entire industry in its transformation toward a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future.