Estorf, December 2025
In recent weeks, reports on social media about friction linings containing asbestos have caused concern among many customers. BREMSKERL would like to make it clear that our products have been asbestos-free since October 1, 1988 – making us the first manufacturer of organic friction linings worldwide to do so.
Asbestos was long considered a “miracle material” due to its heat resistance and durability. But today we know that asbestos fibers are carcinogenic and can cause fatal diseases. Despite the comprehensive ban in Germany since 1993 and throughout Europe since 1999, around 1,500 people in this country still die every year from the effects of asbestos. In many old systems – such as escalators or crane systems – brake pads containing asbestos are still in use.
BREMSKERL has been manufacturing high-quality friction linings for industry, rail vehicles, commercial vehicles and construction machinery for over 95 years. Five years before asbestos was banned in Germany, we stopped manufacturing friction materials containing asbestos and consistently specialized in asbestos-free products. In doing so, we took responsibility early on—for the health of our employees, the safety of our customers, and the protection of the environment.
“We are proud to have taken this step back in 1988,” explain Stefan Purbs (Technical Director) and Meik Philipsen (Commercial Director). “Since then, our expertise has been channeled into the development of innovative, safe, and sustainable friction linings.”
About BREMSKERL
BREMSKERL has been developing and producing high-quality friction linings for a wide range of applications for over 95 years. With a clear focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, we set standards in the industry.
