“Shift Toward Copper-Free and Eco-Friendly Brake Materials”
- One prominent trend in the Friction Materials market is the increasing shift toward copper-free and environmentally friendly brake materials due to stricter environmental regulations and sustainability goals
- Manufacturers are developing non-asbestos organic (NAO) and low-metallic friction materials that reduce particulate emissions without compromising braking performance
- For instance, Akebono Brake Corporation has expanded its range of copper-free brake pads that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines aimed at reducing copper runoff from roadways.
- Growing awareness of environmental impact, coupled with global regulatory mandates such as the “Better Brakes Rule” in the U.S., continues to push the adoption of alternative raw materials and innovative formulations
