Future trends in heavy metals removal

You may not realize that electroless nickel baths contain small amounts of lead and cadmium. While not currently an issue for most industries, there is a significant movement in the automobile industry, initiated by the End of Life Vehicle Directive (ELV Directive) in Europe to eliminate these metals from their waste stream. In addition to lead and cadmium, the European Union has targeted heavy metals such as hexavalent chromium and mercury. The changes brought about by the ELV directive have the potential to impact businesses that utilize nickel plating and chromate conversion coatings.

The ELV directive focuses on reducing waste generated by vehicles through the reuse, recycling and recovery of end-of-life vehicles and their components. As part of this effort, manufacturers are required to limit the use of hazardous materials in the production of automobile parts. Directly impacted by the directive are those industries that supply the European automotive industry and utilize hexavalent chromium based passivation systems.

Automotive companies and their suppliers are facing the challenge to maintain or improve current performance while eliminating the use of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) materials from surface coatings. Some companies are actively seeking adapted forms of hexavalent plating while one North American based automotive company has stated that it wants to completely eliminate hexavalent chromium from their vehicles.

A movement to reduce hexavalent chromium and other hazardous metals from other industries is not far away. Those using EN plating technologies may eventually need to develop alternative methods. AST stays at the forefront by keeping on top of regulations and activities related to heavy metal waste in their industry as well as other industries. Understanding regulations and activities allows AST to prepare for future demands and improve upon existing methods.