Low-Emission TRW DTEC Brake Pads and Discs

ZF has launched its new TRW DTEC braking technology and recycled service fluids targeting the independent automotive aftermarket. Showcased at Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, these practical repair solutions assist automotive workshops in preparing for the stringent non-exhaust emission limits introduced by the upcoming Euro 7 regulations.

Regulatory Challenges in Vehicle Braking
As the automotive industry advances toward lower-emission mobility, regulatory attention is increasingly shifting toward non-exhaust emissions as a key area of vehicle performance. The upcoming Euro 7 standard introduces strict limits specifically for brake particle emissions. To support this transition, the independent aftermarket requires practical, retrofittable repair solutions that allow everyday workshops to meet these changing regulatory requirements at scale without compromising safety or serviceability. Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket, states: "Meaningful environmental progress requires solutions that can be implemented in everyday repair. Our objective is to make innovative braking technologies accessible to our customers at scale, without compromising safety, performance or serviceability."

TRW DTEC Particulate Reduction and Validation
To address brake dust generation, ZF developed the TRW DTEC (Dust Technology) portfolio, comprising specifically engineered brake pads and discs. In brake dynamometer testing, these components demonstrated up to 80 percent lower PM10 particle emissions compared to conventional brake pad and disc combinations. The physical performance of the technology was validated on the ZF dustIN, the company’s in-house brake particle testing dynamometer, which simulates braking products under Euro 7-relevant conditions. Beyond emission reduction, the engineered friction materials and surface treatments deliver reduced mechanical wear, improved corrosion behavior, and reliable braking performance.

Aftermarket Retrofitting and Material Sustainability
The TRW DTEC technology can be directly retrofitted to existing vehicles, transferring original equipment manufacturing expertise into independent aftermarket requirements. For physical identification during installation, the components feature a blue brake-pad shim, a premium dark matte brake-disc finish, and new blue TRW packaging. Markus Wittig, Head of Business Line Passenger Cars at ZF Aftermarket, explains: "With TRW DTEC, we are strengthening the link between original equipment development and the independent aftermarket. The technology reflects ZF’s ability to transfer regulatory-relevant braking innovation into everyday repair solutions." Alongside the hardware components, ZF also highlighted the TRW DOT 4 Brake Fluid ESP Recycled. This service fluid is processed into a high-quality product containing 60 percent post-consumer recycled material, calculated in accordance with the ISO 14021 standard.

Additional Context
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement

Within the automotive aftermarket for low-emission braking components, the ZF TRW DTEC portfolio competes directly with solutions such as the Brembo Beyond Greenance kit and ATE Ceramic brake pads. While traditional low-dust ceramic pads primarily focus on keeping wheels clean and reducing noise, the impending Euro 7 regulations have shifted engineering priorities toward measurable PM10 and PM2.5 particulate reductions. The Brembo Greenance kit similarly targets Euro 7 compliance, claiming an 83 percent reduction in PM10 emissions using a specialized alloy disc and proprietary friction material. ZF’s approach with TRW DTEC leverages its proprietary dustIN dynamometer to validate an 80 percent PM10 reduction, ensuring that these retrofittable independent aftermarket components meet the stringent mechanical wear and environmental standards required by the new European legislative framework.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.zf.com