Salish Sea Currents Series

Seeking alternatives to 6PPD

A chemical found in tires is leading to the deaths of untold numbers of coho salmon in Puget Sound every year. In this three-part series, we take a look at current efforts by tire companies and their chemical suppliers to find a safe and effective replacement for 6PPD. We also examine how government agencies in Washington and California are assessing the problem.  


Closeup of a weather-cracked tire tread against a green background.
Posted by Christopher Dunagan
Tire companies race to replace deadly tire chemical
A chemical found in tires is leading to the deaths of untold numbers of coho salmon in Puget Sound every year. Chemical companies are searching for an alternative but say the unique chemistry and function of 6PPD are major challenges. This article is part one of a three-part series.
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A single salmon swimming underwater with brown kelp against a blue background.
Posted by Christopher Dunagan
State and federal governments address 6PPD problem
Formal legal processes are underway in Washington and California to seek alternatives to the highly toxic chemical in tires. We continue with part two of our three-part series on efforts to find a replacement for 6PPD.
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Tire manufacturing facility with l tire positioned on industrial equipment and multiple tires stacked throughout
Posted by Christopher Dunagan
Players in the race for 6PPD alternatives

With a worldwide market valuation somewhere around $1 billion a year for the single chemical 6PPD, tire companies and their chemical suppliers are working overtime to find a safe and effective replacement for the tire additive. The financial stakes are enormous, since virtually every tire on the market today contains 6PPD.

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