Every time you press your brake pedal, tiny particles of dust fly off — think of it like invisible chalk dust, but potentially harmful to breathe. LOWBRASYS redesigned the entire braking system — new pad materials, new disc coatings, and even a particle catcher right at the brake — to cut that dust by at least 50%. They built it into real passenger cars and light trucks with Brembo, one of the world's top brake manufacturers. The result is a cleaner brake system ready for the stricter air quality rules coming to European cities.
Brake systems are a major source of harmful airborne particles in cities — and unlike exhaust emissions, there are currently no filters or regulations controlling brake dust. As Euro 7 rules begin covering non-exhaust emissions, automotive manufacturers and fleet operators face a compliance gap with no ready-made solution on the market.
The project built and demonstrated new brake pad and disc materials with lower particle emissions, a particle collection device mounted at the brake, environmentally friendly braking control strategies, and a full brake-by-wire system — all integrated into real passenger vehicles and light trucks. A "brake coach" demonstrator was also delivered.
If you are a brake component manufacturer facing upcoming EU regulations on non-exhaust particle emissions — this project developed new pad and disc material formulations plus a particle collection device that reduces brake dust emissions by at least 50%. The system was integrated and tested in real passenger vehicles and light trucks across an 11-partner consortium led by Brembo.
If you are a fleet operator running vehicles in European cities with tightening air quality zones — this project built brake-by-wire systems and optimized braking strategies that dramatically reduce particulate matter at the source. With cities like Paris and London expanding low-emission zones to cover non-exhaust emissions, this technology could keep your fleet compliant without replacing entire vehicles.
If you are a public transport authority under pressure to reduce your fleet's contribution to urban air pollution — this project demonstrated particle collection technology installed directly at the brake source, plus environmentally friendly braking control strategies. These were validated on actual vehicles, meaning they can be retrofitted or specified for new rolling stock procurement.
The project data does not include specific pricing or per-unit costs. However, since Brembo — a major commercial brake manufacturer — coordinated the project and the system was integrated into production-type vehicles, costs are likely aligned with premium brake component pricing. Contact the consortium for licensing or supply terms.
Yes — the consortium includes 6 industrial partners across 7 countries, with Brembo (a global brake manufacturer) as coordinator. Demo deliverables include full vehicle integration for both passenger vehicles and light trucks, indicating the technology was designed with manufacturing scalability in mind.
The project was an Innovation Action (IA), which typically produces near-market IP. With Brembo as coordinator and 3 SMEs in the consortium, IP is likely held by the industrial partners. Licensing arrangements would need to be negotiated directly with the consortium.
The project specifically noted that no current European legislation covers brake wear particulate emissions and provided policy recommendations. The Euro 7 regulation now includes brake particle limits starting 2026, making this technology directly relevant for compliance. The 50% emission reduction target exceeds expected regulatory thresholds.
The consortium built and tested vehicles equipped with integrated brake-by-wire systems, a brake coach demonstrator, and optimized systems for both passenger vehicles and light trucks. With 6 demo deliverables out of 14 total, this moved well beyond laboratory testing into real vehicle validation.
The project delivered both passenger vehicle and light truck integration and optimization as specific deliverables. The brake-by-wire system and particle collection technology were designed as modular components that can work within existing vehicle brake architectures.
The consortium is exceptionally well-positioned for commercialization: led by Brembo, one of the world's largest brake system manufacturers, with 6 industrial partners (55% industry ratio) across 7 countries (BE, CZ, DE, HU, IT, NL, SE). The mix includes 3 universities for materials science and measurement expertise, 2 research organizations for health impact assessment, and 3 SMEs that could serve as agile technology transfer channels. With major automotive markets (Germany, Italy, Sweden) represented and a leading OEM at the helm, the path from pilot to product is shorter than typical EU projects.
Brembo NV (Netherlands) coordinated this project. Use SciTransfer's coordinator lookup to find the right contact.
Want an introduction to the LOWBRASYS team? SciTransfer can connect you with the right people at Brembo and the consortium partners working on low-emission brake technology.
