Cr(VI) Substitution in Hard Chrome Plating
Introduction
The European Commission has contracted a set of studies to assess the feasibility, usefulness and role of setting up an EU network of substitution centres. Such support may be particularly needed by small and medium sized companies and might accompany a sector wide substitution planning process, to promote and encourage cooperation between actors without stifling competition.
Substitution pathways and support by substitution centres eventually should prevent regrettable substitution, in particular if alternatives are not yet known or have shown to be technically or economically challenging, or where substitution is a lengthy and/or complex process.
The set of Commission studies aims to identify key requirements and options for an efficient and effective substitution support infrastructure that facilitates the identification of alternatives, from drop-in alternatives to using different processes, materials or technologies, and the development of a “substitution roadmap” with a timeframe and technical specifications for all actors.
How to participate - Pilot Project Co-Operation Group
The current study exemplifies a work process to substitute Cr(VI) in hard chrome plating (HCP).
The study team will collate end use applications where Cr(VI) is used in HCP as well as available information on alternatives. In parallel a Pilot Project Coordination Group (PPCG) will be set up, consisting of organisations in the Cr(VI) hard chrome plating supply chains, suppliers of alternative technologies/substances, actors working on research and development of alternatives, and relevant authorities.
The PPCG, facilitated by the project team, will discuss (via online meetings) the collated information brought to its attention. Based on this, it will develop a substitution roadmap for the sector, which may include pledges from organisations to implement a substitution process to remove Cr(VI). It is intended to simulate individual actions stipulated in the roadmap in subgroups of the PPCG to identify specific support needs in the substitution process.
The potential substitution centre will be simulated by one of the sub-studies and feed in information and support to the project, as feasible and useful.
To express an interest in joining the PPCG, please reach out to us at the Contact us page. Also see the FAQs for more information about the PPCG, the value of joining, and the expected participants.
Intended outcomes
The intended outcome of the study and pilot project cooperation group is to test how substitution could be organised in a collaborative process and what external support would be needed from e.g. a network of substitution centre(s). The deliverables of the project includes an Action Road Map, substitution pathways and actor-specific pledges.