Meeting ELV and RoHS Standards: Is it Possible?

Before you can meet the end of life vehicles (ELV) and reduction of hazardous substances (RoHS) standards, you have to understand what the standards are. ELV and RoHS are two European directives enacted to eliminate the use of hazardous substances in end of life vehicles, and electronic and electrical equipment. The goal of both directives are to preserve the environment and protect human and animal life. For more information about ELV and RoHS, see The New Standards of Excellence.

Meeting the Standards

Many non-European companies are taking steps to comply with the European legislation. The trick is to become compliant without sacrificing quality or service.

Some ways producers can meet the standards include:

• Developing material specifications that encompass all raw materials, parts, components or products that are incorporated into their products.
• Identifying any and all hazardous materials present in their products.
• Research ways to change manufacturing so production of hazardous materials is limited or compliant.
• Replace non-compliant substances with compliant substances.
• Reducing the level of hazardous substances until an alternative is available.
• Require suppliers to certify that final products, direct materials, and packing materials do not contain banned substances.

If you are exporting products to Europe, conforming to ELV and RoHS standards may be a challenge. Advanced Surface Technologies offers ELV electroless nickel systems that are environmentally-compliant. The systems are formulated specifically for metal finishers and conform to the new standards.

Advanced Surface Technologies' Zenith ELV systems eliminate lead and cadmium from being used as stabilizers and brighteners in EN coatings. Our systems also meet ELV and RoHS regulations.

Our systems work in existing standard equipment with no loss of performance. For additional information, contact us at 303.432.8500 or visit www.astfinishing.com.

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