GDSO, the manufacturers’ technological revolution

This revolution, initiated over two years ago by Michelin, Pirelli, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental, revolves around the transformative potential of a small chip. At its core, GDSO integrates standardised data into an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip, embedded in a tyre’s sidewall. The aim is to ensure seamless tracking of each tyre throughout its lifecycle—covering manufacturing, serial number registration, use, recovery, and eventual destruction or recycling.

The technology represents a significant leap forward for the market participants collaborating under GDSO. As new manufacturers such as Giti, Sumitomo, Prometeon, Nexen, and Yokohama join the fold alongside official bodies, the organisation is extending partnerships to integrate diverse technologies. ERP developers and RFID specialists, including Siemens, muRata, Cipam, and Incadea, as well as garage equipment manufacturers like Snap-On, Beissbarth, and Hunter, are creating tools to read RFID chips in workshop settings. Furthermore, logistics-focused players such as Inter Cars, Mobivia, Districash, and Allopneus are experimenting with the technology within their operations. “This RFID tag enables comprehensive tyre tracking—from the moment it leaves the factory to its geolocated transport and storage, ensuring 100% digital reception. Simplified data reading is achieved through interconnected systems at every stage, whether via gantry or handheld readers, depending on the need,” explains Christophe Duc, RFID Initiatives Leader for OEM & Aftersales at Michelin and a member of GDSO.

Duc describes GDSO’s efforts as “systemic” integration, covering the full tyre supply chain. The organisation is an independent, international collaborative platform open to all stakeholders, including prospective Asian manufacturers expected to join by the end of 2024. Its primary objective is to standardise tyre-related data and establish protocols for its access and exchange. “GDSO will make RFID technology accessible to anyone who wishes to benefit from it,” Duc asserts.

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RFID technology is currently deployed on HGV and LCV tyres but is poised to become a standard for passenger car tyres. Although the concept has been discussed for years, it has gained tangible momentum as manufacturers such as Volvo and Stellantis have begun requiring RFID integration in tyre specifications during the design phase. Driven by manufacturers’ demands and emerging European or global compliance standards, this technology facilitates lifetime traceability—from manufacturing and usage to recycling, retreading, and disposal. The chip can store additional data, such as tyre composition and recycled materials, effectively creating a digital passport for manufacturers, retreaders, fleet managers, and resellers. By enabling global traceability and fostering the circular economy, this innovation could reshape tyre reconstruction practices. “GDSO plays a central role in this transformation. RFID technology introduces connectors early in a tyre’s lifecycle through the Tyre Information Service and later via the Tyre Life Data Service, enhancing recycling management across Europe,” says Duc.

This initiative strictly pertains to tyre data, addressing concerns about GDPR compliance and data ownership. Nevertheless, retailers could eventually use RFID chips to offer customers—both professionals and individuals—the ability to track their tyres and access associated services, subject to their consent. A potential future development involves replacing the EU’s mandatory envelope labelling rule, in effect since 2009, with RFID-based solutions. For now, the ongoing trials serve as a testbed, yielding invaluable insights for refining the system in preparation for a Europe-wide rollout between 2028 and 2030.

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