The introduction of advanced specialty silica grades such as highly dispersible silica (HDS) – developed by Solvay SA – has resulted in noticeably lower rolling resistance in tires, without loss of road grip in wet weather conditions. A 7.5% decrease in fuel consumption and up to 18 meters shorter braking distance is reported by using high performance HDS grade silica in automotive tires.

Various tire labelling regulations have been implemented across the globe, further fuelling the demand for specialty silica as a filler material. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, EU countries, etc., have already implemented various regulations in order to increase overall fuel economy of vehicles, leading to less carbon emitted per unit of fuel, per vehicle for same distance travelled.