Possible alternatives for chromium trioxide as a plating agent for sanitary materials

One of the goals of the European REACH regulation is the progressive replacement of substances of very high concern (e.g. carcinogens) by safer alternatives. Companies that use these substances, actively search for safer alternatives (less dangerous substances, new technologies and processes), and report about these alternatives. Below you will find the information on possible alternatives for chromium trioxide, included in the different applications for authorisation received so far by ECHA. To obtain further details, please follow the link to the full dossier.

Below you can find possible alternatives for chromium trioxide as a plating agent for sanitary materials. All alternatives refer to the chromium trioxide described below.

Chromium trioxide

• EC-number: 215-607-8
• CAS-number: 1333-82-0
• Use: Electroplating of different types of substrates using Chromium Trioxide to achieve functional surfaces with high durability and a bright or matt silvery appearance for sanitary applications
• Technical function: Plating agent

Most promising alternative:

• Trivalent chromium (CrIII) plating

Other Alternatives:
Different (groups of) companies have researched possible alternatives to replace chromium trioxide. Even if these alternatives may not have been chosen for their particular case, they may still be an appropriate option for other cases.

• Physical vapour deposition (PVD) based proces: PVD metal
• PVD based proces: Lacquer + PVD + Lacquer
• Satin and black anodized aluminium
• Chemical vapour deposition (CVD)
• Diamond-like carbon (DLC)
• Ceramic nano-painting
• Electroless nickel plating
• Powder coating
• Alternative substrate that does not need a chromium coating: stainless steel
• Wet lacquering
• Powder Coating
• Thermal Spraying
• Chromium-free electroplating: electro-galvanizing, multi component coating of Cu, Sn, Zn, Ni, Co, Au, Pt
• High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF)
• High Velocity Air Fuel (HVAF)
• Laser Cladding (EHLA process)

More detailed information

All research efforts by companies have been documented in reports. The following ECHA-dossiers are available about possible alternatives for chromium trioxide as a plating agent for sanitary materials:

• 0130-01
• 0131-01 
• 0132-01
• 0133-01
• 0210-03
• 0212-02
• 0215-01
• 0216-01
• 0231-01
• 0235-01
• 0237-01
• 0241-01
• 0245-01
• 0259-01
• 0261-01
• 0268-01
• 0271-01
• 0275-01
• 0277-01
• 0284-01
• 290-01
• 0294-01
• 0303-01
• 0306-01
• 0307-01

Factsheet Chromium VI

For more general information about the risks of Chromium VI and measures to take to prevent exposure, please have a look at the factsheet Chromium VI (available in many EU-languages).