Brake dust isn’t just ugly — it’s harmful

If you’ve ever seen silver wheels turned gray from brake dust, you’ve witnessed a small part of a much larger problem. That dust doesn’t just settle on wheels; it enters the air and, eventually, our lungs. It’s why the European Union is targeting brake particulate emissions under its upcoming Euro 7 standards, set to take effect next year. These rules cap brake particle emissions at 7 milligrams per kilometer, dropping to 3 mg/km by 2035. Even EVs, which rely more on regenerative braking, aren’t entirely off the hook.

Greentell is Brembo’s answer to Euro 7

Italian brake giant Brembo believes it has a solution: a new line of rotors called Greentell, combining “green” and “intelligent” in one slightly awkward but descriptive name. The real innovation lies in how they’re made.

Greentell rotors are treated with a proprietary coating applied through Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), an additive manufacturing process that uses powdered metals and lasers to “print” a surface layer onto the brake disc. This dual-layer coating dramatically cuts down on the amount of particulate matter released during braking.

Massive dust reduction, minimal trade-offs

In controlled WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) tests, Brembo says Greentell rotors reduced particle emissions by 90% compared to uncoated cast-iron rotors. Surface wear was also slashed by 80%, though because the discs themselves are thinner, overall lifespan gains are closer to 20–30%. To make the most of this new disc surface, Brembo also had to develop a new brake pad material, specially designed to work with the smoother coating.

Even wear indicators get a high-tech twist

Thanks to the reduced wear rate, traditional disc wear measurements don’t quite cut it. Instead, Brembo now etches its logo (or an automaker’s logo) onto the disc face. When the logo disappears, it’s time to swap the rotors. The idea originates directly from motorsport, where visual wear indicators are already widely used.

No slots or holes needed

Don’t expect flashy drilled or slotted rotors here, though. Those were originally used to combat “gassing out,” an issue with older pad materials that’s largely been solved by modern materials. Plus, those slots and holes increase abrasive wear, exactly what Greentell aims to avoid.

Final thoughts

Greentell rotors are primarily aimed at helping European automakers comply with Euro 7 and are expected to appear first on premium and performance vehicles — the kind Brembo typically supplies. The U.S. currently lacks similar brake dust regulations, but if that changes, these high-tech rotors could make their way stateside.

For aftermarket buyers, Brembo also offers a similar dust-reducing option called Greenance. Both systems represent the growing realization that cutting vehicle emissions isn’t just about what comes out of the tailpipe; it’s also about what comes off the wheels.

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