3M becomes charter member of lead-free wheel weight initiative

The shift from traditional lead wheel weights to more environmentally responsible lead-free wheel weights recently got a boost when 3M Automotive took part in a signing ceremony for the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initiative (NLFWWI) at the Detroit Grand Prix.
 
The EPA created the NLFWWI as an opportunity for entities engaged in the manufacture, distribution, sale or use of wheel weights to participate in a voluntary effort to accelerate the transition away from traditional lead wheel weights.

“The Environmental Protection Agency is proud to announce this important Initiative and recognize the contribution of our partners,” says Susan Parker Bodine, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "By taking part in the National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initiative, EPA's partners are helping protect public health and the environment by phasing out the sale and installation of lead wheel weights and educating the public about the benefits of alternatives."
 
3M, a leader in the production of lead-free wheel weights and the only manufacturer of a composite-based wheel weight system, has never produced lead weights. By signing the initiative, 3M intends to continue to produce, market and sell a lead-free alternative composite wheel weight system, endorse the NLFWWI and encourage the use of lead-free wheel weights by others.

3M’s wheel weights, made of a highly flexible and conformable material, can be cut to length to meet exact weight requirements and fit all wheel diameters. The material is flexible enough to cut with scissors, yet tough enough to withstand rigorous durability, weathering, salt spray and salt fog testing to exceed current OEM standards.

For more informaiton, visit www.3m.com/wheelweights.